1831day.year
Soldiers marching on the Broughton Suspension Bridge in Manchester, England, cause it to collapse.
Soldiers marching on Manchester's Broughton Suspension Bridge caused its collapse in April 1831.
On April 12, 1831, a contingent of soldiers marching in step traversed Manchester's newly built Broughton Suspension Bridge, triggering a catastrophic failure. The rhythmic footfall amplified resonant vibrations that the bridge's design failed to absorb. Midway across, the structure gave way, hurling troops and equipment into the River Irwell below. Although most soldiers survived, the incident highlighted serious engineering flaws in suspension bridge design. The disaster prompted immediate safety reviews and led to stricter regulations for military marches. Engineers subsequently altered marching protocols and improved structural standards to prevent resonance-related failures. This event became an early lesson in civil engineering and military logistics coordination.
1831
Broughton Suspension Bridge
Manchester
1927day.year
Rocksprings, Texas is hit by an F5 tornado that destroys 235 of the 247 buildings in the town, kills 72 townspeople, and injures 205; third deadliest tornado in Texas history.
An F5 tornado devastates Rocksprings, Texas, destroying most buildings and claiming 72 lives in 1927.
On April 12, 1927, an F5 tornado tore through the small community of Rocksprings, Texas, unleashing winds that obliterated 235 out of 247 buildings. Seventy-two residents were killed and over 200 were injured, making it the third deadliest tornado in Texas history. The storm's path of destruction left the town in ruins and tested the resilience of its survivors. In the aftermath, rebuilding efforts highlighted the need for improved warning systems and construction standards. The Rocksprings disaster remains a stark reminder of nature's unpredictable power.
Rocksprings, Texas
Texas
1963day.year
The Soviet nuclear-powered submarine K-33 collides with the Finnish merchant vessel M/S Finnclipper in the Danish straits.
The nuclear-powered Soviet submarine K-33 collides with the Finnish merchant ship M/S Finnclipper in the Danish Straits.
On April 12, 1963, the Soviet nuclear-powered submarine K-33 collided with the Finnish merchant vessel M/S Finnclipper in the Danish Straits. K-33 was transiting under NATO observation while Finnclipper was carrying commercial cargo through busy shipping lanes. The collision caused significant hull damage to both vessels but resulted in no casualties. The incident highlighted the risks of military and civilian traffic mixing in narrow waterways during the Cold War. Investigations led to improved navigation protocols for submarines operating near civilian ships.
1963
Soviet
K-33
1970day.year
Soviet submarine K-8, carrying four nuclear torpedoes, sinks in the Bay of Biscay four days after a fire on board.
The Soviet submarine K-8, carrying nuclear torpedoes, sinks in the Bay of Biscay after a fire onboard.
On April 12, 1970, the Soviet submarine K-8 sank in the Bay of Biscay following a massive onboard fire four days earlier. The submarine was part of the Northern Fleet and carried four nuclear torpedoes intended for deterrent patrols. The fire disabled critical systems, forcing the crew to abandon ship in rough seas and freezing temperatures. Only 73 of the 98 crew members were rescued, making it one of the deadliest Cold War submarine disasters. The wreck now rests at a depth exceeding 4,700 meters, serving as a solemn reminder of the perils of nuclear-powered undersea vessels.
1970
Soviet submarine K-8
Bay of Biscay
1980day.year
Transbrasil Flight 303, a Boeing 727, crashes on approach to Hercílio Luz International Airport in Florianópolis, Brazil. Fifty-five out of the 58 people on board are killed.
Transbrasil Flight 303 crashes on approach to Florianópolis, Brazil, killing 55 of the 58 onboard.
On April 12, 1980, Transbrasil Flight 303, a Boeing 727, crashed while attempting to land at Hercílio Luz International Airport in Florianópolis, Brazil. The aircraft encountered heavy rain and low visibility, leading to a descent below the safe approach path. It struck terrain short of the runway, resulting in the deaths of 55 of the 58 passengers and crew aboard. The three survivors were pulled from the wreckage by local rescuers. The tragedy prompted upgrades to the airport’s navigational aids and stricter approach procedures in adverse weather.
Transbrasil Flight 303
Boeing 727
Hercílio Luz International Airport
Florianópolis
1990day.year
Widerøe Flight 839 crashes after takeoff from Værøy Airport in Norway, killing five people.
Widerøe Flight 839 crashes after takeoff from Værøy Airport in Norway, killing five people.
On April 12, 1990, Widerøe Flight 839 crashed shortly after departing Værøy Airport in Norway due to severe crosswinds and turbulence. The aircraft struck nearby terrain at low altitude, leading to the deaths of five people onboard. The crash exposed the challenges of operating in harsh coastal weather conditions. In the aftermath, Norwegian aviation authorities reviewed safety procedures for takeoffs and landings at Værøy’s notoriously difficult airstrip. The accident remains a somber chapter in Norway’s regional aviation history.
Widerøe Flight 839
Værøy Airport
Norway
2010day.year
Merano derailment: A rail accident in South Tyrol kills nine people and injures a further 28.
A passenger train derails in South Tyrol, Italy, killing nine people and injuring nearly thirty in the Merano accident.
On April 12, 2010, a regional passenger train derailed near Merano in Italy’s South Tyrol province.
The accident resulted in nine fatalities and 28 injuries, leaving survivors in shock and prompting emergency response teams.
Investigations pointed to possible braking failures and track issues as contributing factors.
The tragedy highlighted the importance of rigorous safety standards in rail operations.
In its aftermath, authorities implemented stricter maintenance protocols to prevent similar disasters.
2010
Merano derailment
South Tyrol
2014day.year
The Great Fire of Valparaíso ravages the Chilean city of Valparaíso, killing 16 people, displacing nearly 10,000, and destroying over 2,000 homes.
A massive wildfire devastates Valparaíso, Chile, killing 16 people, leaving thousands homeless, and destroying over 2,000 homes.
In April 2014, a catastrophic wildfire swept through the hills of Valparaíso, Chile’s historic port city.
The blaze claimed 16 lives and displaced nearly 10,000 residents, who lost their homes and livelihoods.
More than 2,000 houses were destroyed amid chaotic evacuations and firefighting efforts.
The fire exposed vulnerabilities in urban planning and emergency response systems.
In its aftermath, Chile implemented new fire prevention measures and community readiness programs to better protect vulnerable areas.
2014
Great Fire of Valparaíso
Chilean
Valparaíso