558day.year
In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses, twenty years after its construction. Justinian I immediately orders that the dome be rebuilt.
In 558, the dome of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople catastrophically collapsed, leading Emperor Justinian I to order its immediate reconstruction.
In 558 AD, two decades after its completion, the massive dome of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople unexpectedly collapsed during a heavy storm.
Recognized as the architectural marvel of Byzantium, its failure shocked citizens and clergy alike.
Emperor Justinian I witnessed the ruin of his grand church, a symbol of imperial glory and Orthodox Christianity.
Without hesitation, he commissioned the renowned mathematician and architect Isidore the Younger to rebuild the dome.
The swift reconstruction efforts implemented improved engineering techniques to prevent future collapse.
By 562, the renewed dome soared above the city, reaffirming Justinian's commitment to divine and imperial majesty.
558
Constantinople
dome
Hagia Sophia
Justinian I
1697day.year
Stockholm's royal castle (dating back to medieval times) is destroyed by fire. It is replaced in the 18th century by the current Royal Palace.
In 1697, a devastating fire destroyed the medieval Royal Castle of Stockholm, paving the way for a new Baroque palace.
In May 1697, a catastrophic blaze ignited in the medieval royal residence at Stockholm, Sweden.
Flames raged for days, consuming wooden structures and priceless royal artifacts.
The disaster forced King Charles XI to commission a modern replacement in the Baroque style.
Survivors described the eerie glow visible across Lake Mälaren.
Construction of the new Royal Palace began in 1698 under architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger.
The transformation marked Sweden's emergence as a European great power.
1697
Stockholm
medieval
Royal Palace
1840day.year
The Great Natchez Tornado strikes Natchez, Mississippi killing 317 people. It is the second deadliest tornado in United States history.
The Great Natchez Tornado struck Mississippi on May 7, 1840, killing 317 people and becoming one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history.
On May 7, 1840, a violent tornado tore through Natchez, Mississippi, claiming 317 lives and causing widespread destruction. Known as the Great Natchez Tornado, it flattened homes, uprooted trees, and swept people into the Mississippi River. Contemporary accounts describe a massive funnel cloud and how entire neighborhoods were devastated within minutes. Relief efforts struggled to reach isolated areas due to destroyed infrastructure and limited communication. The disaster remained the second deadliest tornado in U.S. history for decades. Its impact led to improved community preparedness and early studies in severe weather phenomena.
1840
Great Natchez Tornado
Natchez, Mississippi
tornado
1930day.year
The 7.1 Mw Salmas earthquake shakes northwestern Iran and southeastern Turkey with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). Up to three-thousand people were killed.
The 1930 Salmas earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck northwestern Iran and southeastern Turkey, causing violent shaking and up to 3,000 deaths.
On May 7, 1930, a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake known as the Salmas earthquake devastated regions of northwestern Iran and southeastern Turkey. The quake registered IX on the Mercalli intensity scale, producing violent ground shaking that leveled villages and towns. Geological fault lines in the Zagros Mountains were responsible for the abrupt energy release. Contemporary reports estimated up to 3,000 fatalities and thousands more injured, with widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. Rescue efforts were hampered by remote terrain and limited transportation networks. The disaster prompted early seismic studies and improvements in building practices in the region. The Salmas earthquake remains one of the deadliest seismic events in Middle Eastern history.
1930
Salmas earthquake
Mercalli intensity
1964day.year
Pacific Airlines Flight 773 is hijacked by Francisco Gonzales and crashes in Contra Costa County, California, killing 44.
Pacific Airlines Flight 773 was hijacked by Francisco Gonzales on May 7, 1964, and crashed in California, killing all 44 on board.
On May 7, 1964, Pacific Air Lines Flight 773, a domestic flight in California, was hijacked by passenger Francisco Gonzalez. Shortly after takeoff, Gonzalez shot both pilots, causing the aircraft to lose control and crash into open fields near Contra Costa County. All 44 people aboard, including crew and passengers, perished in the tragic accident. This incident was one of the deadliest hijackings in U.S. history at the time and prompted tighter security measures. Investigators later determined that Gonzalez acted alone, leaving regulators and the public stunned by the violence. The event underscored vulnerabilities in airline security and led to changes in screening procedures.
1964
Pacific Airlines Flight 773
Francisco Gonzales
Contra Costa County, California
1991day.year
A fire and explosion occurs at a fireworks factory at Sungai Buloh, Malaysia, killing 26.
A devastating fire and explosion at a fireworks factory in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia on May 7, 1991, killed 26 people.
On May 7, 1991, a fireworks manufacturing plant in Sungai Buloh, near Kuala Lumpur, caught fire for unknown reasons. The blaze spread rapidly, igniting stored pyrotechnic materials and triggering a series of explosions. Emergency responders faced hazardous conditions as secondary blasts hampered firefighting efforts. By the time the fires were brought under control, 26 workers had lost their lives and many others were injured. The disaster prompted investigations into industrial safety standards and the handling of explosive materials. Regulatory reforms followed to prevent similar tragedies in Malaysia’s pyrotechnics industry.
1991
fire and explosion occurs at a fireworks factory
Sungai Buloh
2002day.year
An EgyptAir Boeing 737-500 crashes on approach to Tunis–Carthage International Airport, killing 14 people.
An EgyptAir Boeing 737-500 crashes on approach to Tunis–Carthage Airport, killing 14 people.
On May 7, 2002, EgyptAir Flight 843, a Boeing 737-500, crashed while attempting to land at Tunis–Carthage International Airport.
The aircraft encountered poor weather conditions and low visibility during its approach.
It struck trees and terrain short of the runway before coming to rest.
Fourteen passengers and crew members tragically lost their lives in the accident.
Aviation investigators reviewed cockpit decisions, approach procedures, and airport navigation aids.
The crash highlighted the dangers of landing in adverse meteorological environments.
International aviation authorities reassessed safety protocols to prevent similar incidents.
Memorial services were held in both Tunisia and Egypt to honor the victims.
2002
EgyptAir Boeing 737-500
Tunis–Carthage International Airport
2002day.year
A China Northern Airlines MD-82 plunges into the Yellow Sea, killing 112 people.
In 2002, China Northern Airlines Flight MD-82 crashed into the Yellow Sea, claiming 112 lives.
On May 7, 2002, China Northern Airlines Flight MD-82 plunged into the Yellow Sea shortly after takeoff from Beijing.\nThe sudden descent occurred over international waters, offering little chance for rescue.\nAll 112 passengers and crew were lost in the accident.\nInvestigations suggested a possible in-flight fire or mechanical failure as the cause.\nThe disaster led to renewed safety reviews for MD-82 operators and highlighted the importance of stringent maintenance procedures.
China Northern Airlines MD-82
Yellow Sea
2023day.year
2023 Tanur boat disaster, At least 22 people are killed when a boat carrying tourists capsizes in Tanur, Malappuram, Kerala, India.
A tourist boat capsized off the coast of Tanur, India in 2023, resulting in at least 22 deaths.
On May 7, 2023, a boat carrying tourists capsized near the coastal town of Tanur in Malappuram district, Kerala, India.\nRough sea conditions and overcrowding contributed to the vessel’s instability.\nLocal fishermen and rescue teams rushed to the scene, but the sudden overturn left many passengers trapped underwater.\nAt least 22 people lost their lives, while dozens more were rescued or reported missing.\nThe tragedy prompted investigations into safety regulations for tourist boats and enforcement of passenger limits.\nIt also led to calls for improved emergency response protocols in Kerala’s busy waterways.\nThe disaster highlighted the risks of adventure tourism without adequate safety measures.
2023
2023 Tanur boat disaster
Tanur
Malappuram
Kerala
India