1730day.year
An estimated magnitude 8.7 earthquake causes a tsunami that damages more than 1,000 km (620 mi) of Chile's coastline.
An estimated magnitude 8.7 earthquake strikes Chile’s coastline in 1730, triggering a massive tsunami that devastates over 1,000 km of shore.
On July 8, 1730, a powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake ruptured off the coast of central Chile.
The tremor generated a series of tsunamis that inundated coastal towns and villages for over 620 miles.
Entire settlements were washed away, and thousands of residents lost their lives or were displaced.
The disaster prompted a major rebuilding effort and led to early studies of seismic risks in the region.
Spanish colonial authorities documented the event, marking one of the first scientifically noted tsunamis in the Americas.
The 1730 Chilean earthquake remains one of the most significant natural catastrophes in South American history.
1730
magnitude 8.7 earthquake
tsunami
1892day.year
St. John's, Newfoundland is devastated in the Great Fire of 1892.
The Great Fire of 1892 ravages St. John’s, Newfoundland, destroying large portions of the city.
On July 8, 1892, a massive fire broke out in St. John’s, fueled by wooden buildings and strong winds. Within hours, the blaze consumed hundreds of homes, businesses, and landmarks, leaving thousands homeless. Residents evacuated by boat as flames engulfed the harbor front. Relief efforts soon mobilized across Canada and the United Kingdom to aid the displaced. The disaster led to new building regulations and the reconstruction of St. John’s with fire-resistant materials. Today, it remains one of Newfoundland’s most devastating urban fires.
1892
St. John's, Newfoundland
Great Fire of 1892
1965day.year
Canadian Pacific Air Lines Flight 21 is destroyed by a bomb near 100 Mile House, Canada, killing 52.
Canadian Pacific Air Lines Flight 21 was bombed near 100 Mile House, British Columbia, killing all 52 on board.
On July 8, 1965, Canadian Pacific Air Lines Flight 21 exploded in mid-flight after a bomb detonated on board near 100 Mile House in British Columbia. The Douglas DC-6B plunged into a lake, killing all 52 passengers and crew. The tragic incident remains one of Canada's deadliest aviation disasters. Investigations suggested the bomb was placed in the luggage compartment, but the perpetrator was never conclusively identified. The crash highlighted vulnerabilities in airline security and prompted reviews of baggage screening procedures across Canada.
1965
Canadian Pacific Air Lines Flight 21
100 Mile House
1980day.year
Aeroflot Flight 4225 crashes near Almaty International Airport in the then Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic (present day Kazakhstan) killing all 166 people on board.
Aeroflot Flight 4225 crashed shortly after takeoff near Almaty, killing all 166 on board.
On July 8, 1980, Aeroflot Flight 4225, operated by a Tupolev Tu-154, departed Almaty International Airport in the Kazakh SSR. Moments after takeoff, the aircraft encountered plumes of smoke from a nearby fireworks display celebrating an agricultural exhibition. The plane lost altitude and crashed near the runway, killing all 166 passengers and crew aboard. The Soviet government tightly controlled information about the tragedy, delaying a full public inquiry. In its aftermath, authorities reviewed airport safety measures and coordination of public celebrations around airfields. The crash remains one of the worst in Soviet aviation history.
Aeroflot Flight 4225
Almaty International Airport
Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic
Kazakhstan
1988day.year
The Island Express train travelling from Bangalore to Kanyakumari derails on the Peruman bridge and falls into Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala in India killing 105 passengers and injuring over 200 more.
The Island Express train derailed on the Peruman bridge in Kerala, plunging into Ashtamudi Lake and killing over 100 passengers.
On July 8, 1988, the Island Express traveling from Bangalore to Kanyakumari derailed on the Peruman bridge over Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala, India. A sudden track failure caused carriages to plunge into the water, resulting in the deaths of 105 passengers and injuries to more than 200 others. Local residents and passengers immediately launched rescue efforts, diving into the lake to save survivors. The tragedy prompted investigations into railway maintenance standards and bridge safety across the Indian Railways network. Commemorative memorials were erected near the site to honor the victims. The Peruman disaster remains one of India's worst train accidents and a somber reminder of the importance of infrastructure upkeep.
1988
Island Express
Bangalore
Kanyakumari
derails on the Peruman bridge
Ashtamudi Lake
Kerala
India
2003day.year
Sudan Airways Flight 139 crashes near Port Sudan Airport during an emergency landing attempt, killing 116 of the 117 people on board.
Sudan Airways Flight 139 crashed near Port Sudan Airport during an emergency landing, resulting in 116 fatalities.
On July 8, 2003, Sudan Airways Flight 139 attempted an emergency landing at Port Sudan Airport after experiencing technical difficulties.
During the descent, the aircraft crashed near the runway, breaking apart upon impact.
Of the 117 people onboard, 116 lost their lives and only one survived.
Investigators pointed to adverse weather conditions and miscommunication with air traffic control as possible factors.
Local rescuers faced challenges reaching the wreckage due to sandy terrain and limited emergency infrastructure.
The disaster remains one of the deadliest in Sudanese aviation history and led to calls for improved safety protocols.
2003
Sudan Airways Flight 139
Port Sudan Airport
emergency landing