1968day.year
South African Airways Flight 228 crashes near J.G. Strijdom Airport in South West Africa (now Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia), killing 123 people.
South African Airways Flight 228 crashes on approach to J.G. Strijdom Airport in South West Africa, killing all 123 people on board.
On April 20, 1968, South African Airways Flight 228 was on approach to J.G. Strijdom Airport in what was then South West Africa. The aircraft descended below the minimum safe altitude and collided with terrain near the runway. All 123 passengers and crew aboard the flight lost their lives in the impact. Despite extensive investigations, no definitive cause was assigned, though poor visibility and possible navigational error were noted. The accident led to improvements in approach procedures and safety protocols at the airport and across the region.
South African Airways Flight 228
J.G. Strijdom Airport
South West Africa
Namibia
1998day.year
Air France Flight 422 crashes after taking off from El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia, killing all 53 people on board.
Air France Flight 422 crashes shortly after takeoff from Bogotá, killing all 53 passengers and crew.
On April 20, 1998, Air France Flight 422, an Airbus A310, departed El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia, bound for Miami with a stop in Caracas. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft climbed to approximately 8,500 feet before entering an aerodynamic stall and plummeting into the Mojica district. All 53 passengers and crew aboard were tragically killed in the crash. Weather reports indicated heavy rain and strong winds, which may have contributed to the stall. The accident prompted revisions to takeoff protocols and crew training programs for operations in challenging weather conditions.
1998
Air France Flight 422
El Dorado International Airport
Bogotá
2004day.year
The Nicoll Highway in Singapore collapsed, killing four workers.
A section of Singapore's Nicoll Highway collapses during subway construction, killing four workers.
In the early hours of April 20, 2004, a portion of the Nicoll Highway in Singapore gave way during the excavation for the Circle Line metro tunnel. The collapse sent massive volumes of earth and debris tumbling into the work pit, trapping and killing four construction workers. Emergency teams worked through the night to rescue victims and stabilize the site. The incident led to a halt in construction and a comprehensive safety review of tunneling methods under urban roadways. Singaporean authorities subsequently implemented stricter regulations and monitoring procedures to prevent similar tragedies in future infrastructure projects.
2004
Nicoll Highway
Singapore
collapsed
2010day.year
The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explodes in the Gulf of Mexico, killing eleven workers and beginning an oil spill that lasted six months.
The Deepwater Horizon rig explodes in the Gulf of Mexico, killing eleven workers and triggering a massive six-month oil spill.
On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig operated by BP suffered a catastrophic blowout in the Gulf of Mexico. An explosion and fire engulfed the platform, resulting in the deaths of eleven crew members. The damaged wellhead continued to leak oil for 87 days, releasing an estimated 4.9 million barrels of oil into the marine environment. The spill became the largest accidental marine oil spill in history, devastating coastal ecosystems and wildlife across multiple states. The disaster prompted sweeping regulatory reforms in offshore drilling safety and environmental oversight.
2010
Deepwater Horizon
explodes
oil spill that lasted six months
2012day.year
One hundred twenty-seven people are killed when a plane crashes in a residential area near the Benazir Bhutto International Airport near Islamabad, Pakistan.
A passenger plane crashes into a residential neighborhood near Islamabad's airport, killing all 127 people aboard.
On April 20, 2012, a passenger aircraft on approach to Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad, Pakistan, descended into a nearby residential area in poor visibility. The impact destroyed several homes and left no survivors among the 127 passengers and crew. Local emergency responders faced chaotic scenes as they searched for victims amidst the wreckage. The tragedy intensified scrutiny of Pakistan's aviation standards, highlighting issues with ground navigation aids and runway safety. Subsequent investigations pointed to pilot error compounded by inadequate air traffic control resources, leading to calls for urgent infrastructure and training upgrades.
2012
plane crashes
Benazir Bhutto International Airport
Islamabad
2013day.year
A 6.6-magnitude earthquake strikes Lushan County, Ya'an, in China's Sichuan province, killing at least 193 people and injuring thousands.
A 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck Lushan County in China's Sichuan province, causing widespread destruction and hundreds of casualties.
On April 20, 2013, a powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake rocked Lushan County in Ya'an, Sichuan province, China.
The quake caused extensive damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure across the region.
Rescue teams mobilized amid aftershocks and challenging terrain.
At least 193 people lost their lives and thousands were injured.
The Chinese government dispatched military and medical personnel to assist survivors.
Communities rallied to provide shelter and emergency supplies.
Reconstruction efforts began in the months that followed, focusing on earthquake-resistant design.
The event highlighted the seismic risks facing southwestern China.
2013
magnitude
earthquake
Lushan County
Ya'an
Sichuan