April 09

On April 9, 1947, a series of powerful tornadoes struck the Southern Plains, affecting communities in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. The towns of Glazier, Higgins, and Woodward bore the brunt of the storms, which leveled homes and businesses. In total, 181 people lost their lives and hundreds more were injured in one of the worst natural disasters in the region's history. The outbreak prompted improvements in early warning systems and greater public awareness of tornado dangers. Memorials and oral histories ensure the victims and survivors of the Glazier–Higgins–Woodward tornadoes are not forgotten.

On April 9, 1952, Japan Air Lines Flight 301, a Douglas DC-3 aircraft, was on a domestic route when it crashed into the slopes of Mount Mihara on Izu Ōshima. All 37 passengers and crew aboard were killed on impact, marking one of the earliest major tragedies in postwar Japanese civil aviation. Investigators determined that poor visibility and navigational errors contributed to the disaster. The accident highlighted the need for improved flight safety standards and more rigorous pilot training in Japan's rapidly expanding airline industry. It prompted national authorities to review and enhance air traffic control procedures. Memorials were later established to honor the victims and remind the public of the importance of aviation safety.

In 1981, the USS George Washington, a US Navy nuclear-powered submarine, collided with the Japanese cargo vessel Nissho Maru off the coast of Japan. The impact ripped a hole in Nissho Maru's hull, causing it to take on water and sink rapidly. Two crew members of the Japanese ship were lost, triggering diplomatic tensions between Japan and the United States. A subsequent investigation examined navigational procedures and submarine operational protocols to prevent similar accidents. The incident underscored the risks of naval operations in busy commercial shipping lanes and led to revisions in collision-avoidance measures.

In 1990, an Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia commuter aircraft collided mid-air with a small Cessna 172 over Gadsden, Alabama. The collision occurred in clear daylight, causing the Cessna to fall uncontrollably while the Brasilia sustained damage but managed an emergency landing. Both occupants of the Cessna, the smaller private plane, were killed on impact. The National Transportation Safety Board investigated the accident, focusing on air traffic control communications and pilot visibility. Recommendations from the report led to improved collision-avoidance protocols and stricter flight rules in congested airspace.

On April 9, 2013, a powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit the Bushehr province in southern Iran near the towns of Khunik and Faj. The quake resulted in 32 confirmed deaths and left over 850 people injured, many of whom suffered serious injuries in collapsing buildings. Rescue teams and emergency services worked tirelessly amid aftershocks and adverse weather conditions. The disaster highlighted vulnerabilities in rural housing structures and led to calls for stricter building codes. International aid and expertise were offered to help local authorities improve future earthquake preparedness.