1898day.year
En route from New York to Le Havre, the SS La Bourgogne collides with another ship and sinks off the coast of Sable Island, with the loss of 549 lives.
The SS La Bourgogne sank off Sable Island after colliding with another vessel, resulting in 549 fatalities.
On July 4, 1898, the French ocean liner SS La Bourgogne collided with the British sailing ship Cromartyshire in dense fog near Sable Island, Nova Scotia.
The impact tore a gaping hole in La Bourgogne’s hull, causing her to sink within minutes and leaving passengers scrambling for lifeboats.
Class divisions emerged as first-class passengers were evacuated preferentially, fueling public outrage when news reached shore.
Rescue ships arrived too late to save many, and 549 lives were lost, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters of the era.
The tragedy spurred reforms in international maritime safety protocols and escort requirements in foggy waters.
1898
Le Havre
SS La Bourgogne
Sable Island
1911day.year
A massive heat wave strikes the northeastern United States, killing 380 people in eleven days and breaking temperature records in several cities.
An extreme heat wave in July 1911 hit the northeastern U.S., killing 380 people and shattering temperature records.
Beginning July 4, 1911, searing temperatures engulfed cities from Boston to Philadelphia, with readings exceeding 100°F (38°C).
Lacking modern cooling systems, residents endured relentless heat that led to widespread dehydration and heatstroke.
Hospitals and morgues were overwhelmed, and 380 deaths were attributed directly to the heat wave over eleven days.
The crisis prompted early discussions on public health responses, including the creation of cooling stations and urban design changes to mitigate heat.
It remains one of the deadliest weather-related disasters in U.S. history, shaping future emergency preparedness efforts.
1911
massive heat wave
1943day.year
World War II: In Gibraltar, a Royal Air Force B-24 Liberator bomber crashes into the sea in an apparent accident moments after takeoff, killing sixteen passengers on board, including general Władysław Sikorski, the commander-in-chief of the Polish Army and the Prime Minister of the Polish government-in-exile; only the pilot survives.
A Royal Air Force B-24 Liberator crashes off Gibraltar shortly after takeoff, killing Polish Prime Minister-in-exile Władysław Sikorski and 15 others.
On July 4, 1943, a B-24 Liberator of the Royal Air Force crashed into the sea immediately after leaving Gibraltar Airport. On board was General Władysław Sikorski, the charismatic commander-in-chief of the Polish Army and Prime Minister of the government-in-exile. The accident claimed the lives of sixteen passengers, with only the pilot surviving. Sikorski’s death deprived the Polish exile community of a unifying leader during the war. The cause of the crash remains subject to debate and conspiracy theories. His unexpected loss had profound political and emotional repercussions for Poland’s government and its fight for sovereignty.
Gibraltar
Royal Air Force
B-24 Liberator
crashes
Władysław Sikorski
1961day.year
On its maiden voyage, the Soviet nuclear-powered submarine K-19 suffers a complete loss of coolant to its reactor. The crew are able to effect repairs, but 22 of them die of radiation poisoning over the following two years.
The Soviet submarine K-19 experiences a reactor coolant failure on its first mission, leading to deadly radiation exposure.
On July 4, 1961, the Soviet nuclear submarine K-19 experienced a catastrophic loss of coolant in its reactor during its first voyage.
Forced to improvise emergency repairs, the crew worked under lethal radiation levels to prevent a meltdown.
Though a major nuclear disaster was averted, 22 sailors died from radiation poisoning in the following two years.
The incident remained secret for decades, highlighting risks of early nuclear propulsion technology.
K-19's accident spurred improvements in reactor safety protocols and designs in the Soviet Navy.
1961
K-19
radiation poisoning
2001day.year
Vladivostok Air Flight 352 crashes on approach to Irkutsk Airport killing all 145 people on board.
Vladivostok Air Flight 352 crashed on approach to Irkutsk Airport, killing all 145 people aboard.
Vladivostok Air Flight 352, a Tupolev Tu-154, was on a domestic route when it attempted to land at Irkutsk Airport in Siberia on July 4, 2001. During final approach in thick fog, the aircraft stalled and entered a spin before crashing. All 145 passengers and crew members were killed in the accident. Investigators cited pilot error and inadequate visibility as primary factors in the crash. The tragedy prompted the Russian aviation authority to reevaluate safety procedures and training for landings in adverse weather. The incident remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Russian history.
2001
Vladivostok Air Flight 352
Irkutsk Airport
2002day.year
A Boeing 707 crashes near Bangui M'Poko International Airport in Bangui, Central African Republic, killing 28.
A Boeing 707 crashed near Bangui M’Poko Airport in the Central African Republic, resulting in 28 fatalities.
On July 4, 2002, a cargo Boeing 707 operated by Trans Air Cargo crashed shortly after takeoff from Bangui M'Poko International Airport. The aircraft lost altitude abruptly and struck the ground in a residential area near the runway. All 28 people on board, including crew members and passengers, perished in the crash. Local emergency teams and international agencies participated in the recovery and investigation efforts. While the exact cause was not conclusively determined, factors such as overloading and maintenance deficiencies were examined. The disaster underscored the challenges of aviation safety in parts of Africa and led to calls for stricter oversight.
2002
Boeing 707
crashes
Bangui M'Poko International Airport
Bangui
Central African Republic
2008day.year
A bomb explodes at a concert in Minsk's Independence Square, injuring 50 people.
A bomb exploded during a concert in Minsk's Independence Square, injuring around 50 attendees.
On July 4, 2008, during a public concert in Minsk's central Independence Square, a bomb detonated among the crowd. The explosion wounded approximately fifty people and caused widespread panic in the capital of Belarus. Authorities quickly sealed off the area and launched an investigation into the attack. The incident raised concerns over public security at mass gatherings in the city. While no group claimed responsibility immediately, suspicions fell on political extremists. The bombing underscored tensions within Belarus and prompted a review of safety measures at public events. The injured were treated in local hospitals, and the event left a lasting impact on how large-scale concerts are managed in Minsk.
2008
bomb explodes
Minsk's Independence Square
2025day.year
A devastating flood strikes the Texas Hill Country, killing at least 108 people.
A devastating flood swept through the Texas Hill Country, resulting in at least 108 fatalities.
On July 4, 2025, unprecedented rainfall triggered flash flooding across the Texas Hill Country, submerging roads and communities within hours. Torrents of water swept away vehicles, destroyed homes, and severed power lines, stretching rescue teams to their limits. Emergency services conducted search and rescue operations, recovering survivors and victims amid rising water. The death toll reached at least 108 as rivers overflowed and levees failed. Local and federal agencies declared disaster zones and mobilized relief efforts, including FEMA support and volunteer initiatives. The flooding highlighted the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. Communities launched fundraising campaigns to rebuild infrastructure and provide aid to displaced families. The tragedy spurred discussions on improving early warning systems and land management to mitigate future flood risks.
2025
A devastating flood
Texas Hill Country