July 15

On July 15, 1823, flames broke out in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome's four major papal basilicas. The fire quickly consumed the basilica's wooden roof, causing extensive damage to its iconic mosaics and frescoes. Firefighters and citizens fought the blaze for hours but could only save some artworks and relics. Originally founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, the basilica held immense religious and artistic significance. The disaster prompted an international appeal for funds and expertise to rebuild the structure. Reconstruction efforts restored the basilica to its former grandeur, preserving its historical appearance for future generations.

On July 15, 1888, the stratovolcano Mount Bandai erupted with catastrophic force, unleashing pyroclastic flows and lahars across nearby valleys. The eruption obliterated villages and destroyed natural dams, causing lake bursts and widespread flooding. Approximately 500 people perished and many more were displaced. The disaster prompted the Meiji government to implement modern volcano monitoring and disaster relief systems. Today, Mount Bandai remains an important site for volcanological study and a stark reminder of nature's power.

On July 15, 1975, Aeroflot Flight E-15 crashed during its final approach to Batumi International Airport on the Black Sea coast. The Yakovlev Yak-40 regional jet was carrying passengers from a domestic Soviet route. In poor weather conditions, the aircraft descended below safe altitude and impacted terrain near the runway. All forty people on board lost their lives in the tragedy. The crash prompted an investigation by Soviet aviation authorities into navigational procedures and crew training. It highlighted the challenges of flying in the mountainous terrain surrounding Batumi. Safety recommendations were introduced to improve instrument landing protocols in the region. The Aeroflot E-15 disaster remains one of the worst aviation accidents in Georgian SSR history.

On July 15, 1996, a Belgian Air Force C-130 Hercules transporting the Royal Netherlands Army marching band attempted to land at Eindhoven Airport in the Netherlands. During its final approach, the aircraft encountered technical difficulties and crashed onto the runway. All onboard lost their lives, including numerous military musicians preparing for a national event. The tragedy prompted an extensive investigation into maintenance procedures and flight safety protocols. Both Belgian and Dutch authorities collaborated to improve military air transport standards. The accident remains one of the deadliest military aviation disasters in Dutch history.

On July 15, 2009, a Tupolev Tu-154 operating as Caspian Airlines Flight 7908 crashed shortly after takeoff near Jannatabad in Qazvin Province, Iran. The aircraft suffered a catastrophic engine failure, leading to loss of control and impact in a field. All 168 passengers and crew perished in the accident. Iranian authorities conducted an extensive investigation into maintenance records and flight logs. The crash remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Iran’s history. It prompted international reviews of Soviet-era aircraft safety standards.

On July 15, 2014, a passenger train derailed between the Slavyansky Bulvar and Park Pobedy stations on Moscow's Metro Red Line. One carriage collided with structural elements, causing it to collapse into the tunnel. The accident claimed at least 24 lives and injured over 160 commuters, many suffering severe trauma. Investigations pointed to a damaged rail and potential operational oversights. The tragedy prompted a nationwide review of maintenance protocols and emergency response procedures. It remains one of the worst incidents in the history of Moscow's rapid transit system, underscoring the critical need for stringent safety standards.