June 12

On June 12, 1899, a powerful F5 tornado tore through New Richmond, Wisconsin, destroying homes and businesses. The storm killed 117 residents and injured approximately 200 others, leaving the town in ruins. Entire neighborhoods were leveled, and debris was carried miles away by the twister's force. Relief efforts were quickly organized, with aid coming from across the region. The disaster remains one of the deadliest tornado events in American history, highlighting the need for early warning and preparedness.

On June 12, 1950, an Air France Douglas DC-4 operating an international service to Paris crashed during its approach to Bahrain International Airport. All 46 passengers and crew aboard the aircraft were killed upon impact. The flight had originated in Saigon with stops in Karachi and Bahrain. Investigators attributed the accident to a combination of pilot error and challenging weather conditions. This tragedy highlighted the risks of early long-distance air travel and prompted airlines to improve navigation systems, crew training, and safety protocols. It remains one of Bahrain’s deadliest aviation incidents of the era.

On June 12, 1988, a McDonnell Douglas MD-81 operating as Austral Líneas Aéreas Flight 046 plunged short of the runway during its approach to Libertador General José de San Martín Airport in Posadas, Argentina. All 22 passengers and crew perished in the accident. Investigators cited factors such as poor visibility and possible pilot deviation from the glide path. The tragedy prompted revisions to approach procedures and safety protocols at regional airports. It remains one of Argentina's deadliest aviation accidents of the 1980s.

On June 12, 2024, flames broke out in a multi-story apartment block in the Mangaf district of Kuwait City. Rapid fire spread and dense smoke trapped many residents inside their homes. Emergency crews battled the blaze through the night, rescuing survivors and searching for victims. Preliminary reports suggest an electrical fault may have ignited the fire, though investigations continue. The tragedy prompted mourning nationwide and calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety codes. Families of the victims received government support amid widespread grief and solidarity.