1967day.year
Vietnam War: Off the coast of North Vietnam the USS Forrestal catches on fire in the worst U.S. naval disaster since World War II, killing 134.
On July 29, 1967, a devastating fire and series of explosions aboard USS Forrestal off North Vietnam killed 134 sailors.
A misfired Zuni rocket struck an aircraft on the carrier deck, triggering a massive fire and secondary ammunition blasts. Chaos ensued as crew members battled flames and smoke in confined spaces, with limited firefighting resources. The disaster, the worst U.S. naval incident since World War II, exposed critical gaps in shipboard safety and damage control procedures. Investigations led to major revisions in training, equipment, and ordnance handling aboard U.S. Navy vessels. The bravery of the sailors who fought to save their ship and shipmates remains a testament to their resilience under extreme conditions.
1967
North Vietnam
USS Forrestal
fire
1967day.year
During the fourth day of celebrating its 400th anniversary, the city of Caracas, Venezuela is shaken by an earthquake, leaving approximately 500 dead.
On July 29, 1967, a powerful earthquake struck Caracas during its 400th anniversary celebrations, causing around 500 fatalities.
A strong tremor struck Caracas as residents celebrated the city’s 400th anniversary, causing buildings to collapse and roads to crack. Emergency responders worked amid chaos to rescue survivors and transport the injured to hospitals. The city's infrastructure suffered extensive damage, with many neighborhoods cut off by debris and landslides. The tragedy highlighted vulnerabilities in urban planning and prompted a reevaluation of seismic building standards. Reconstruction efforts in the following years focused on strengthening structures and improving disaster preparedness.
Caracas, Venezuela
an earthquake
1972day.year
Two Avianca Douglas DC-3 airliners collide over Colombia, killing 38.
A tragic mid-air collision of two Avianca DC-3 aircraft over Colombia kills 38 passengers and crew.
A mid-air collision occurred on July 29, 1972, when two Avianca-operated Douglas DC-3 aircraft collided above the Andes foothills of Colombia. Both planes, on routine domestic flights, encountered each other on converging flight paths in poor weather. The impact resulted in the loss of all 38 lives on board, marking one of the worst civil aviation disasters in Colombian history at the time. Investigators cited limited visibility and lack of advanced air traffic control systems as contributing factors. The accident prompted calls for improved radar coverage and stricter flight regulations in the mountainous regions. Subsequent reforms led to gradual modernization of the country's air navigation infrastructure.
1972
Avianca
Douglas DC-3
collide
2010day.year
An overloaded passenger ferry capsizes on the Kasai River in Bandundu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in at least 80 deaths.
An overloaded passenger ferry capsized on the Kasai River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, causing at least 80 fatalities.
On July 29, 2010, a passenger ferry carrying far more passengers than its capacity overturned on the Kasai River in Bandundu Province.
Poor vessel maintenance and lack of safety equipment contributed to the disaster.
Local reports indicated that passengers were packed on deck and below, leaving little room to move.
Rescue efforts were hampered by strong currents and limited emergency resources.
At least 80 people lost their lives, with many more missing or injured.
The accident highlighted the urgent need for improved maritime safety regulations on inland waterways.
2010
capsizes
Kasai River
Bandundu Province
Democratic Republic of the Congo
2013day.year
Two passenger trains collide in the Swiss municipality of Granges-près-Marnand near Lausanne injuring 25 people.
Two passenger trains collided near Lausanne in Granges-près-Marnand, Switzerland, injuring 25 people in a head-on crash.
On July 29, 2013, two regional passenger trains collided on a single-track line in Granges-près-Marnand, near Lausanne.
The collision occurred when one train entered a section under incorrect authorization, leading to a head-on crash.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, treating 25 injured passengers and crew members.
Investigators examined signaling systems and human factors to determine the cause of the error.
Swiss authorities reviewed safety protocols to prevent similar accidents on rural lines.
The incident underscored the importance of fail-safe mechanisms on single-track railways.
2013
collide
Granges-près-Marnand
Lausanne
2015day.year
The first piece of suspected debris from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 is discovered on Réunion Island.
The first piece of debris suspected to be from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 was discovered on Réunion Island, renewing hope in the search.
On July 29, 2015, a beachgoer found a wing flaperon washed ashore on Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean.
French authorities confirmed it belonged to Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which vanished in March 2014.
The discovery marked the first physical evidence in the largest aviation mystery of the 21st century.
Experts analyzed the debris to refine search areas, but the main wreckage remained undiscovered.
Families of the 239 passengers found renewed hope, while investigators grappled with the lack of definitive coordinates.
The find spurred further oceanographic studies on debris drift patterns and underwater search techniques.
2015
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370
is discovered
Réunion Island