May 15

On May 15, 1929, a fire broke out in the Clothing and Storage Room of the Cleveland Clinic’s new building. Highly flammable nitrocellulose X-ray films ignited, and toxic fumes quickly filled the halls. Within minutes, dense smoke and fire overwhelmed evacuation efforts, trapping patients and staff. Firefighters struggled to contain the blaze in the hospital’s maze-like layout, leading to a high death toll of 123. The disaster prompted major reforms in hospital fire safety codes and the handling of dangerous materials.

On May 15, 1976, Aeroflot Flight 1802 departed from Kiev en route to Minsk when it crashed near the village of Viktorivka. The Antonov An-24 aircraft encountered a sudden loss of control at cruising altitude. All 52 passengers and crew members perished in the accident. Investigators attributed the crash to a possible mechanical failure in the control system. The disaster prompted safety reviews within Aeroflot and the Soviet aviation industry. Commemorations for the victims highlight the enduring importance of aviation safety improvements.

On May 15, 2001, a CSX EMD SD40-2 diesel locomotive rolled out of a yard in Walbridge, Ohio, after its engineer failed to reboard. The unmanned train traveled 66 miles at speeds up to 50 mph, carrying 47 freight cars, including tankers with hazardous chemicals. Railroad personnel and state authorities coordinated a pursuit to bring the train safely to a halt near Kenton. The incident raised questions about rail safety protocols and yard procedures. It later inspired the 2010 Hollywood film Unstoppable starring Denzel Washington. The successful intervention prevented a potential environmental and public safety disaster.