1846day.year
The Donner Party of pioneers departs Independence, Missouri for California, on what will become a year-long journey of hardship and cannibalism.
The Donner Party set out from Independence, Missouri in 1846 on a harrowing journey to California that ended in starvation and cannibalism.
In May 1846, the Donner Party embarked from Independence, Missouri, bound for California in search of a quicker route west. The group faced harsh terrain and unexpected early snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, becoming trapped. Cut off from rescue, the pioneers endured starvation and extreme cold. Some members resorted to cannibalism to survive the brutal winter conditions. Only a fraction of the original party reached California alive, enduring unimaginable suffering. Their ordeal became a grim legend of American westward expansion and the perils of pioneer travel.
1846
Donner Party
pioneers
Independence, Missouri
California
cannibalism
1989day.year
The San Bernardino train disaster kills four people, only to be followed a week later by an underground gasoline pipeline explosion, which kills two more people.
A train collision in San Bernardino kills four, followed by a pipeline explosion that claims two lives.
On May 12, 1989, two freight trains collided near San Bernardino, California, causing a derailment and fire that killed four crew members.
Less than a week later, on May 19, an underground gasoline pipeline ruptured nearby, igniting an explosion that claimed two additional lives.
Investigations attributed the train disaster to signal failures and operator errors, while the pipeline blast was linked to aging infrastructure.
The twin tragedies prompted calls for stricter safety regulations across rail and pipeline industries.
Local communities mourned the victims and pressed for federal action to prevent future accidents.
These events remain key case studies in transportation safety reform.
1989
San Bernardino train disaster
2008day.year
An earthquake (measuring around 8.0 magnitude) occurs in Sichuan, China, killing over 69,000 people.
A devastating earthquake struck Sichuan, China in May 2008, killing tens of thousands.
On May 12, 2008, a powerful 8.0-magnitude earthquake shook Sichuan province, causing widespread destruction across urban and rural areas. The quake toppled buildings, collapsed bridges, and triggered massive landslides, leaving over 69,000 people dead and millions displaced. Rescue workers from across China and abroad raced against time to save survivors trapped under rubble. The disaster prompted a nationwide relief effort featuring military support, volunteer groups, and international aid. In the quake's aftermath, the Chinese government launched extensive reconstruction projects to rebuild schools, hospitals, and housing. The Sichuan earthquake remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history.
2008
earthquake
Sichuan
2010day.year
Afriqiyah Airways Flight 771 crashes on final approach to Tripoli International Airport in Tripoli, Libya, killing 103 out of the 104 people on board.
Afriqiyah Airways Flight 771 crashed near Tripoli in May 2010, killing 103 of 104 on board.
On May 12, 2010, Afriqiyah Airways Flight 771, en route from Johannesburg to Tripoli, crashed on its final approach to Tripoli International Airport. Only one passenger survived out of 104 people on board. Investigations pointed to pilot error and possible navigational equipment malfunction in poor weather conditions. The tragedy raised concerns over aviation safety standards and training for crew in Libya. International aviation authorities recommended procedural changes and enhanced crew resource management training. Memorials were held for the victims, and families sought answers through legal proceedings.
2010
Afriqiyah Airways Flight 771
Tripoli International Airport
2015day.year
A train derailment in Philadelphia, United States, kills eight people and injures more than 200.
A train derailment in Philadelphia in May 2015 killed eight people and injured over 200.
On May 12, 2015, an Amtrak train traveling through Philadelphia derailed on a curve at over twice the speed limit. The accident resulted in eight fatalities and more than 200 injuries, some critical. Investigators cited human error, as the engineer failed to slow the train, and highlighted gaps in safety technology. The National Transportation Safety Board recommended accelerating the implementation of positive train control systems nationwide. The derailment spurred discussions on rail safety regulations and infrastructure investment. In the wake of the tragedy, rail operators reviewed speed protocols and emergency response procedures.
2015
train derailment in Philadelphia
2015day.year
Massive Nepal earthquake kills 218 people and injures more than 3,500.
A major earthquake struck Nepal in May 2015, killing hundreds and injuring thousands.
On May 12, 2015, a magnitude 7.3 aftershock of the deadly April 25 Gorkha earthquake hit eastern Nepal, causing new destruction in mountainous villages. The tremor killed 218 people and injured over 3,500, compounding trauma for survivors already struggling to rebuild. Landslides blocked roads and hampered relief efforts, while makeshift camps were set up for the displaced. International aid agencies and local volunteers coordinated rescue and medical missions in remote areas. The disaster underscored the vulnerability of Nepal's infrastructure and the need for earthquake-resistant construction. Relief and reconstruction programs continued for years as communities sought to recover.
Nepal earthquake