May 09

Events - Transportation & Infrastructure

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