May 05

In the early hours of May 5, 1930, a powerful earthquake measured an estimated magnitude of 7.3 rocked the Bago region of British Burma. The tremor devastated Yangon and the ancient city of Bago, causing widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, and landmarks. Knocked-out waterways and landslides compounded the death toll, which rose to nearly 7,000 victims. Emergency response efforts were hampered by limited communications and the region’s colonial administrative challenges. The disaster prompted improvements in seismic research, building codes, and disaster preparedness across Southeast Asia.

On May 5, 1972, Alitalia Flight 112, a DC-8, departed Rome for Palermo carrying 115 passengers and crew. In poor weather conditions, the aircraft crashed into Mount Longa near Palermo, Sicily. All onboard perished, marking the deadliest single-aircraft accident in Italy’s aviation history at the time. Investigations pointed to navigational errors and inadequate terrain awareness. The disaster led to improvements in air traffic control procedures and crew training. Memorial services in Sicily honor the victims and have prompted continued focus on flight safety.

On May 5, 2007, Kenya Airways Flight 507 departed Douala International Airport en route to Nairobi. Shortly after takeoff, the Boeing 737 encountered technical issues and lost altitude, crashing into a densely populated suburb. All 114 passengers and crew members perished in the impact, making it the deadliest aviation accident in Cameroon's history. Recovery teams worked through the night to collect remains and debris for investigation. Preliminary findings pointed to pilot disorientation and adverse weather as contributing factors. The tragedy prompted Kenya Airways to review its safety protocols and aircraft maintenance procedures. It also raised broader concerns about aviation standards and oversight in the region. Memorials were held for the victims, and aviation authorities implemented stricter regulations in response.