1980day.year
In Florida, United States, Liberian freighter MV Summit Venture collides with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay, making a 430-meter (1,400 ft) section of the southbound span collapse. Thirty-five people in six cars and a Greyhound bus fall 46 metres (150 ft) into the water and die.
A Liberian freighter strikes the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay in 1980, causing a section to collapse and resulting in 35 fatalities.
On May 9, 1980, the Liberian-registered MV Summit Venture collides with a support pier of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge during a sudden squall.
The impact causes a 430-meter section of the southbound span to collapse into Tampa Bay.
Six vehicles and a Greyhound bus plunge 150 feet into the water below, killing 35 people.
Rescue efforts are hampered by debris and rough weather conditions, prolonging the tragedy.
The disaster leads to a full reconstruction of the bridge with enhanced safety measures.
It remains one of the worst transportation accidents in Florida’s history.
1980
Florida
Liberian
MV Summit Venture
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Tampa Bay
Greyhound bus
1987day.year
LOT Flight 5055 Tadeusz Kościuszko crashes after takeoff in Warsaw, Poland, killing all 183 people on board.
LOT Flight 5055 crashes shortly after takeoff from Warsaw in 1987, resulting in 183 fatalities.
On May 9, 1987, LOT Polish Airlines Flight 5055 suffers an engine failure moments after departing Warsaw’s Okęcie Airport.
The aircraft, named ‘Tadeusz Kościuszko,’ enters an uncontrollable dive and crashes into a forested area.
All 183 passengers and crew aboard lose their lives in the tragedy.
The accident prompts extensive investigations into engine maintenance protocols.
Safety recommendations include improved turbine blade inspections and emergency procedures.
This remains the deadliest aviation disaster in Poland’s history.
1987
LOT Flight 5055 Tadeusz Kościuszko crashes after takeoff
Warsaw
1992day.year
Westray Mine disaster kills 26 workers in Nova Scotia, Canada.
The Westray Mine explosion in 1992 claims 26 lives in Nova Scotia, leading to major mining safety reforms.
On May 9, 1992, an underground coal dust explosion devastates the Westray Mine in Plymouth, Nova Scotia.
Twenty-six miners are killed instantly when the blast tears through the tunnels.
Rescue teams are unable to reach survivors due to ongoing gas leaks and structural instability.
Public outrage over safety lapses prompts a federal inquiry into mine regulations.
The tragedy leads to the Westray Bill, holding corporations and executives criminally liable for workplace safety.
It becomes a landmark case in Canadian occupational health and safety law.
1992
Westray Mine disaster
Nova Scotia
2001day.year
In Ghana, 129 football fans die in what became known as the Accra Sports Stadium disaster. The deaths are caused by a stampede (caused by the firing of tear gas by police personnel at the stadium) that followed a controversial decision by the referee.
A stampede at Accra Sports Stadium in 2001, triggered by tear gas, results in 129 fan fatalities.
On May 9, 2001, a controversial referee call in a Ghanaian league match sparks unrest at Accra Sports Stadium.
Police fire tear gas into the stands to control the crowd, causing panic among spectators.
Hundreds rush towards the exits, leading to a deadly stampede in darkened corridors.
Emergency personnel struggle to assist victims amid chaotic conditions.
The tragedy prompts nationwide mourning and scrutiny of stadium safety protocols.
Subsequent reforms focus on crowd control, stadium design, and police training.
2001
Ghana
Accra Sports Stadium disaster