July 05

In the early hours of July 5, 1970, Air Canada Flight 621, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8, attempted a landing at Toronto Pearson Airport. A faulty thrust reverser mechanism triggered a control failure, causing the aircraft to skid off the runway. It broke into pieces and ignited upon impact, killing all 109 passengers and crew. The disaster remains one of Canada’s deadliest aviation accidents. An extensive inquiry cited mechanical lapses and raised questions about maintenance practices. The findings led to stricter safety regulations and overhaul of aircraft inspection protocols.

On July 5, 1973, firefighters in Kingman, Arizona, responded to a propane leak at a railyard transfer operation. As crews worked to contain the fire, a sudden Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion occurred. The blast obliterated a storage tank car, sending shrapnel and flames outward. Eleven firefighters lost their lives in the instant and devastating explosion. Investigations led to enhanced hazardous materials training and stricter equipment standards. The tragedy remains a pivotal case study in fire service safety and industrial emergency response.