781day.year
The oldest recorded eruption of Mount Fuji (Traditional Japanese date: Sixth day of the seventh month of the first year of the Ten'o (天応) era).
In 781, Mount Fuji erupted for the first time on record during the Ten'o era, marking the oldest documented volcanic activity of Japan’s most famous peak.
According to traditional Japanese records, Mount Fuji erupted on the sixth day of the seventh month in the first year of the Ten'o era. This event stands as the earliest known volcanic eruption of the iconic stratovolcano. While details of the eruption’s scale are scarce, ancient chronicles note ash fall and disturbances in nearby settlements. The eruption underscores Mount Fuji’s long history of volcanic activity. Later eruptions would shape surrounding landscapes and influence local folklore. This 781 event provides invaluable insight into the early natural history of Japan’s highest mountain.
781
Mount Fuji
Japanese date
1715day.year
Seven days after a Spanish treasure fleet of 12 ships left Havana, Cuba for Spain, 11 of them sink in a storm off the coast of Florida. A few centuries later, treasure is salvaged from these wrecks.
In 1715, a Spanish treasure fleet of twelve ships sank in a hurricane off Florida's coast, leaving centuries-old riches on the seabed.
In June 1715, King Philip V of Spain dispatched a fleet of twelve ships laden with silver and gold from Havana to Spain.
A violent hurricane struck off the coast of Florida, wrecking eleven of the vessels and scattering treasure across the Atlantic.
Many sailors drowned, and survivors struggled for weeks before rescue perished or were captured by British forces.
The disaster remained hidden until salvage operations in the 20th century uncovered vast quantities of bullion and artifacts.
Modern treasure hunters recovered coins, cargo, and shipwreck remnants, revealing insights into colonial-era maritime trade.
The story of the 1715 fleet continues to captivate historians and adventurers drawn to lost treasures.
1715
Spanish treasure fleet
Havana
Cuba
Florida
1966day.year
The pleasure cruiser MV Darlwyne disappeared off the Cornwall coast with the loss of all 31 aboard.
The pleasure cruiser MV Darlwyne vanished off the coast of Cornwall on July 31, 1966, leading to the loss of all 31 aboard.
MV Darlwyne was a small passenger vessel enjoying a routine pleasure cruise off Cornwall’s rugged coast.
On July 31, 1966, the ship mysteriously disappeared, prompting an extensive search by the Royal Navy and local authorities.
Despite sweeping maritime operations, no trace of the vessel or its passengers was ever found.
The absence of survivors or wreckage sparked theories ranging from severe weather to human error or foul play.
The incident remains one of the most haunting maritime mysteries in British waters.
To this day, the fate of MV Darlwyne and its 31 passengers continues to evoke speculation and intrigue.
1966
disappeared
Cornwall
1973day.year
A Delta Air Lines jetliner, flight DL 723 crashes while landing in fog at Logan International Airport, Boston, Massachusetts killing 89.
A Delta Air Lines DC-9 crashed at Logan Airport in dense fog on July 31, 1973, killing 89 people.
On July 31, 1973, Delta Air Lines Flight DL 723 attempted to land at Boston’s Logan International Airport under heavy fog.
The DC-9 jetliner descended below the glide path and struck approach lights before rebounding into a salt marsh.
Fire engulfed the aircraft’s fuselage, leading to the deaths of 89 passengers and crew.
Investigators cited poor visibility, pilot decision-making, and outdated radar systems as contributing factors.
The tragedy prompted reforms in airport landing protocols, improved ground radar, and enhanced crew training.
Flight DL 723 remains a somber reminder of the challenges of aviation safety in adverse conditions.
1973
Delta Air Lines
DL 723
Logan International Airport
1987day.year
A tornado occurs in Edmonton, Alberta, killing 27 people.
A rare and powerful tornado struck Edmonton, Alberta, on July 31, 1987, killing 27 people.
On the evening of July 31, 1987, a supercell thunderstorm spawned a devastating F4 tornado in Edmonton, Alberta.
The twister carved a path of destruction through residential neighborhoods, uprooting trees and destroying homes.
With winds exceeding 400 km/h (250 mph), it became Canada’s deadliest tornado in modern history.
Emergency services and volunteers rushed to rescue survivors amid widespread power outages and flooding.
The disaster led to improvements in Canada’s severe weather warning systems and emergency preparedness.
To this day, Edmontonians commemorate the event’s impact on their community’s resilience and unity.
1987
tornado
Edmonton
Alberta
1988day.year
Thirty-two people are killed and 1,674 injured when a bridge at the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal collapses in Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia.
A ferry terminal bridge collapsed at Butterworth, Penang, on July 31, 1988, killing 32 people and injuring many.
On July 31, 1988, the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal’s pedestrian bridge in Butterworth unexpectedly collapsed.
Thirty-two commuters were killed instantly, and over 1,600 were injured during the morning rush hour.
Eyewitnesses described the structure buckling under its own weight, sending people and debris into the water.
Rescue teams and bystanders worked tirelessly to pull survivors from muddy waters and rushing traffic below.
The tragedy prompted Malaysia to review building codes, structural inspections, and emergency response protocols.
Today, the incident stands as a solemn reminder of infrastructure safety and urban planning challenges.
1988
bridge at the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal collapses
Butterworth, Penang
Malaysia
1992day.year
Thai Airways International Flight 311 crashes into a mountain north of Kathmandu, Nepal killing all 113 people on board.
Thai Airways Flight 311 crashed into a mountain north of Kathmandu on July 31, 1992, killing all 113 passengers and crew.
Thai Airways International Flight 311 departed Bangkok bound for Kathmandu but encountered severe weather and navigational challenges in the Himalayas. The Airbus A310, carrying 99 passengers and 14 crew members, was flying through heavy cloud cover when it struck a mountainside, resulting in no survivors. Rescue teams faced dangerous terrain and poor visibility, delaying recovery efforts. The disaster prompted a thorough investigation into air traffic control procedures and cockpit instrumentation accuracy. It remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents near Kathmandu. The tragedy led to improved safety protocols and training for operations in challenging mountainous environments.
Thai Airways International Flight 311
Kathmandu
Nepal
1992day.year
China General Aviation Flight 7552 crashes during takeoff from Nanjing Dajiaochang Airport, killing 108.
China General Aviation Flight 7552 crashed after departing Nanjing Dajiaochang Airport on July 31, 1992, resulting in 108 fatalities.
The Yakovlev Yak-42 operating Flight 7552 began its takeoff roll but encountered control problems shortly after liftoff from Nanjing Dajiaochang Airport. The aircraft veered off course, collided with an airport warehouse, and burst into flames, killing all 108 people on board. Investigators cited deficiencies in crew training and maintenance practices as contributing factors. The crash destroyed airport facilities and underscored safety challenges during a period of rapid expansion in China’s civil aviation sector. In response, authorities implemented stricter oversight of aircraft maintenance and flight crew qualifications. The accident remains one of the worst in China’s aviation history.
China General Aviation Flight 7552
Nanjing Dajiaochang Airport
1997day.year
FedEx Express Flight 14 crashes at Newark International Airport, injuring five.
FedEx Express Flight 14 crashed on landing at Newark International Airport on July 31, 1997, injuring five crew members.
FedEx Express Flight 14, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo jet, encountered strong crosswinds during its final approach to Newark International Airport. The aircraft bounced upon touchdown, lost directional control, and slid off the runway onto a taxiway. Emergency crews responded quickly, rescuing all five injured crew members from the damaged freighter. The accident led to a detailed review of landing procedures for large cargo aircraft in adverse weather. FedEx and aviation regulators implemented enhanced training for pilots on wind shear recovery and runway excursion avoidance. Newark Airport also upgraded its runway safety areas and emergency response protocols to prevent similar incidents.
1997
FedEx Express Flight 14
Newark International Airport
2008day.year
East Coast Jets Flight 81 crashes near Owatonna Degner Regional Airport in Owatonna, Minnesota, killing all eight people on board.
East Coast Jets Flight 81 crashed near Owatonna, Minnesota, on July 31, 2008, killing all eight people on board.
A chartered business jet operating as East Coast Jets Flight 81 experienced technical difficulties shortly after takeoff from Owatonna Degner Regional Airport. The aircraft lost altitude while attempting to return to the runway and crashed in a field near the airport perimeter, leaving no survivors among the crew and passengers. Investigators determined that issues with the fuel system and maintenance oversights contributed to the in-flight failure. The tragedy prompted stricter maintenance protocols and safety audits for charter operators nationwide. Local emergency responders were praised for their swift and coordinated rescue efforts. Despite the catastrophic outcome, no injuries occurred on the ground during the accident.
2008
East Coast Jets Flight 81
Owatonna Degner Regional Airport
Owatonna, Minnesota
2014day.year
Gas explosions in the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung kill at least 20 people and injure more than 270.
A sudden series of underground gas explosions devastated Kaohsiung, Taiwan on July 31, 2014, killing 20 and injuring over 270.
A massive build-up of leaked propene gas in Kaohsiung's underground pipelines ignited across multiple locations on July 31, 2014.
The blasts ripped through roads, shattering concrete and overturning cars along a one-kilometer stretch.
Dozens of buildings were gutted by fireball-like explosions visible from kilometers away.
At least 20 people were killed and over 270 were hospitalized with severe injuries, many suffering critical burns.
Emergency responders battled raging fires and collapsed structures to rescue survivors amid hazardous conditions.
In the aftermath, investigations revealed lapses in pipeline maintenance and spurred Taiwan to overhaul its urban gas safety regulations.
2014
Gas explosions
Kaohsiung