1806day.year
A gunpowder magazine explosion in Birgu, Malta, kills around 200 people.
A catastrophic explosion at a gunpowder magazine in Birgu, Malta killed around 200 people and devastated the historic port city.
On 18 July 1806, a gunpowder magazine in the fortified town of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta, detonated, triggering a massive explosion.
The blast leveled nearby buildings, sowed panic among residents, and sent shockwaves across the Grand Harbour.
Contemporary reports estimate approximately 200 fatalities, including soldiers, laborers and civilians.
The explosion highlighted the dangers of storing large quantities of gunpowder within densely populated fortifications.
Following the disaster, British authorities implemented stricter safety measures at military depots across the island.
Birgu underwent extensive reconstruction, reshaping its warehouses and defensive structures.
The 1806 explosion remains one of Malta's deadliest accidents during the British colonial period.
1806
gunpowder magazine explosion
Birgu
Malta
1970day.year
An Antonov An-22 of the Soviet Air Forces crashes into the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 23 aboard.
A Soviet Air Forces Antonov An-22 transport aircraft crashes into the Atlantic, resulting in the loss of all 23 crew and passengers.
On July 18, 1970, the Antonov An-22, then the world’s largest turboprop cargo aircraft, departed on a routine mission with the Soviet Air Forces. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a critical failure and plunged into the Atlantic Ocean. All 23 people on board perished in the tragedy. The accident prompted a thorough investigation into the An-22’s engines and structural design. Although the exact cause remained unconfirmed, the crash raised concerns about the safety of large military transport planes. The disaster underscored the challenges of operating cutting-edge aircraft under demanding conditions.
1970
Antonov An-22
Soviet Air Forces
crashes
1979day.year
A landslide occurs on the Iliwerung volcano in Indonesia, triggering a tsunami that kills over 530 and leaves 700 missing.
A massive landslide on Indonesia's Iliwerung volcano triggers a deadly tsunami, killing over 530 and leaving 700 missing.
On July 18, 1979, a catastrophic landslide occurred on the slopes of Iliwerung volcano on Lembata Island, Indonesia.
The sudden collapse of volcanic material generated a powerful tsunami that swept across coastal villages.
More than 530 people lost their lives in the disaster, while an additional 700 were reported missing.
Entire communities were devastated as homes and infrastructure were obliterated by the wave.
Rescue and recovery efforts faced significant challenges due to remote terrain and destructive conditions.
This tragedy remains one of the deadliest volcanic-tsunami events in recorded history.
1979
Iliwerung
triggering a tsunami
1981day.year
A Canadair CL-44 and Sukhoi Su-15 collide in mid-air near Yerevan, Armenia, killing four.
A mid-air collision near Yerevan between a Canadair CL-44 and a Sukhoi Su-15 kills four crew members.
On July 18, 1981, a Canadair CL-44 transport aircraft and a Soviet Sukhoi Su-15 interceptor collided during flight near Yerevan, Armenia.
The unexpected mid-air collision resulted in the deaths of all four crew members aboard both aircraft.
An investigation examined air traffic control procedures and military flight operations in the region.
Witnesses reported seeing debris falling over the Armenian countryside following the accident.
The tragedy highlighted the risks of mixed civilian and military airspace operations during the Cold War era.
1981
Canadair CL-44
Sukhoi Su-15
collide
Yerevan
Armenia
1995day.year
On the Caribbean island of Montserrat, the Soufrière Hills volcano erupts. Over the course of several years, it devastates the island, destroying the capital, forcing most of the population to flee.
The Soufrière Hills volcano erupts, devastating Montserrat and displacing its population.
On July 18, 1995, the Soufrière Hills volcano on the Caribbean island of Montserrat erupted after centuries of dormancy.
Lava flows and ashfall gradually destroyed the island’s capital, Plymouth, and surrounding settlements.
Continuous eruptions over several years forced more than half of Montserrat’s residents to evacuate.
The disaster transformed the island’s landscape and economy, leaving only a small safe zone in the north.
Recovery efforts included establishing new infrastructure for displaced communities in neighboring islands.
1995
Montserrat
Soufrière Hills
1996day.year
Storms provoke severe flooding on the Saguenay River, beginning one of Quebec's costliest natural disasters ever.
Severe storms trigger catastrophic flooding along Quebec's Saguenay River.
On July 18, 1996, intense storms over Quebec led to the Saguenay River breaching its banks and inundating towns.
Floodwaters destroyed homes, roads, and bridges, marking one of the most expensive natural disasters in Canadian history.
Rescue operations deployed military units and volunteers to evacuate thousands from affected communities.
The disaster prompted improvements in flood forecasting, emergency planning, and infrastructure upgrades.
Municipalities rebuilt with new dikes and water management systems to mitigate future flood risks.
1996
severe flooding
Saguenay River
Quebec
natural disasters
2002day.year
A Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer crashes near Estes Park, Colorado, killing both crew members.
A Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer patrol bomber crashed near Estes Park, Colorado, killing both crew members.
The Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer was a maritime patrol bomber used extensively during World War II and beyond.
On July 18, 2002, one of these aircraft crashed near Estes Park, Colorado, during a routine flight.
Both crew members aboard were killed on impact.
Preliminary investigations pointed to mechanical failure in the aircraft's engines.
The high-altitude terrain of the Rocky Mountains presented significant challenges for rescue and recovery teams.
This accident highlighted the risks of operating vintage military aircraft in civilian contexts.
Following the crash, aviation authorities reviewed safety protocols for historical flight operations.
2002
Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer
crashes
Estes Park, Colorado
2019day.year
A man sets fire to an anime studio in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan, killing 36 people and injuring dozens of others.
An arson attack on Kyoto Animation's Fushimi studio killed 36 people and injured dozens.
On July 18, 2019, a suspected arson attack struck Kyoto Animation's Fushimi studio in Japan.
A man allegedly doused the building with gasoline and set it ablaze, killing 36 people and injuring dozens more.
The fire swiftly engulfed the wooden structure, trapping many staff members inside.
Rescue workers battled intense flames and thick smoke through the night to save survivors.
The tragedy shocked the global animation community, known for its creativity and collaboration.
Kyoto Animation lost much of its recent work and priceless art materials in the inferno.
The incident prompted a wave of international support and donations to aid victims and rebuild the studio.
2019
sets fire to an anime studio
Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
Japan