1933day.year
The Crescent Limited train derails in Washington, D.C., after the bridge it is crossing is washed out by the 1933 Chesapeake–Potomac hurricane.
The Crescent Limited train derails in Washington, D.C., after a hurricane washes out its bridge in 1933.
In August 1933, the Chesapeake–Potomac hurricane caused severe flooding in Washington, D.C., washing out a bridge over Rock Creek. The Southern Railway’s premier passenger train, the Crescent Limited, plunged into the floodwaters when the compromised bridge collapsed. Multiple passengers and crew members were injured or killed in the derailment. Rescue efforts faced obstacles from debris-filled waters and downed power lines along the creek. The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of rail infrastructure to extreme weather events. It prompted improvements in storm forecasting, bridge design, and emergency response procedures for future railway operations.
1933
Crescent Limited
derails
bridge
1933 Chesapeake–Potomac hurricane
1951day.year
United Air Lines Flight 615 crashes near Decoto, California, killing 50 people.
United Air Lines Flight 615 crashed near Decoto, California, resulting in the loss of 50 lives.
On August 24, 1951, Flight 615 encountered poor visibility and adverse weather on approach to Oakland airport.
The Douglas DC-6 struck trees and terrain near Decoto, fatally injuring all 50 passengers and crew on board.
Investigators pointed to navigational errors compounded by heavy fog and rain.
The tragedy highlighted the need for improved instrument landing systems in California.
United Airlines and aviation authorities implemented new safety protocols after the crash.
This accident became a landmark case in postwar airline safety reforms.
1951
United Air Lines Flight 615
Decoto, California
1992day.year
Hurricane Andrew makes landfall in Homestead, Florida as a Category 5 hurricane, causing up to $25 billion (1992 USD) in damages.
Hurricane Andrew strikes Homestead, Florida as a devastating Category 5 storm on August 24, 1992, causing massive destruction.
Andrew carved a path of destruction through South Florida, packing winds over 165 mph at landfall.
The storm damaged or destroyed more than 170,000 homes and businesses, leaving tens of thousands homeless.
It became one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history, with insured losses estimated at $25 billion.
The inadequate response prompted reforms in disaster management and stricter building codes.
Andrew’s legacy reshaped how American communities prepare for and respond to powerful hurricanes.
1992
Hurricane Andrew
Homestead, Florida
Category 5 hurricane
USD
2001day.year
Air Transat Flight 236 loses all engine power over the Atlantic Ocean, forcing the pilots to conduct an emergency landing in the Azores.
Air Transat Flight 236 glides to a safe emergency landing in the Azores after losing all engine power on August 24, 2001.
The Airbus A330 en route from Toronto to Lisbon suffered a fuel leak that led to both engines shutting down over the Atlantic.
Pilots executed a remarkable dead-stick landing at Lajes Air Base in the Azores without any engine thrust.
All 306 passengers and crew aboard escaped without fatal injuries, earning praise for the flight crew’s skill.
An investigation later identified maintenance errors and led to revised safety protocols for fuel systems.
Flight 236 became a textbook example of airmanship and crisis management under extreme conditions.
2001
Air Transat Flight 236
Atlantic Ocean
emergency landing
Azores
2008day.year
Sixty-five passengers are killed when Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 6895 crashes during an emergency landing at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
In 2008, Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 6895 crashed during an emergency landing in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, killing 65 passengers.
On August 24, 2008, Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 6895 attempted an emergency landing at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The aircraft encountered difficulties on approach and crashed short of the runway in heavy winds.
Sixty-five passengers lost their lives in the impact, marking one of the deadliest aviation accidents in the region.
Rescue operations faced challenges due to the rugged terrain and limited local resources.
The crash prompted a thorough investigation into the airline's safety protocols and air traffic control procedures.
2008
Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 6895
emergency landing
Manas International Airport
Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan
2008day.year
A Cessna 208 Caravan crashes in Cabañas, Zacapa, Guatemala, killing 11 people.
In 2008, a Cessna 208 Caravan crashed in Cabañas, Zacapa, Guatemala, resulting in 11 fatalities.
On August 24, 2008, a Cessna 208 Caravan crashed in the mountainous region of Cabañas, Zacapa, Guatemala.
The light aircraft was on a routine flight when it encountered severe weather and navigational difficulties.
All 11 people aboard the plane perished in the accident.
Local authorities coordinated a search and recovery effort in difficult terrain.
The tragedy highlighted the challenges of air travel in remote areas and prompted calls for improved safety measures.
Cessna 208 Caravan
crashes
Cabañas, Zacapa
Guatemala
2010day.year
Henan Airlines Flight 8387 crashes at Yichun Lindu Airport in Yichun, Heilongjiang, China, killing 44 out of the 96 people on board.
In 2010, Henan Airlines Flight 8387 crashed while approaching Yichun Lindu Airport in China, killing 44 of the 96 onboard.
On August 24, 2010, Henan Airlines Flight 8387 crashed on approach to Yichun Lindu Airport in Heilongjiang, China.
The Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 encountered unstable weather conditions and failed to maintain proper altitude.
Of the 96 passengers and crew onboard, 44 lost their lives and the remainder survived.
Emergency responders rushed to the remote airport to assist survivors.
The crash led aviation authorities to review regional flight protocols and weather briefing procedures.
Henan Airlines Flight 8387
Yichun Lindu Airport
Yichun
Heilongjiang
China
2010day.year
Agni Air Flight 101 crashes near Shikharpur, Makwanpur, Nepal, killing all 14 people on board.
In 2010, Agni Air Flight 101 crashed near Shikharpur in Nepal, killing all 14 people onboard.
On August 24, 2010, Agni Air Flight 101 crashed near Shikharpur in the Makwanpur district of Nepal.
The Dornier Do 228 aircraft went down shortly after takeoff under unclear circumstances.
All 14 people onboard, including passengers and crew, were killed on impact.
The crash highlighted the risks of operating flights in mountainous terrain.
Nepalese aviation authorities launched an investigation into the aircraft's maintenance and flight procedures.
Agni Air Flight 101
Shikharpur, Makwanpur
2014day.year
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes the San Francisco Bay Area; it is the largest in that area since 1989.
In 2014, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area, its strongest tremor since 1989.
On August 24, 2014, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area.
It was the strongest quake to affect the region since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.
The tremor caused minor structural damage, landslides, and power outages across several communities.
Shaking was widely felt, prompting numerous aftershocks and safety alerts.
Seismologists analyzed the event to improve earthquake preparedness and response planning in California.
2014
earthquake
San Francisco Bay Area
since 1989
2016day.year
An earthquake strikes Central Italy with a magnitude of 6.2, with aftershocks felt as far as Rome and Florence. Around 300 people are killed.
In 2016, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Central Italy, causing widespread devastation and around 300 fatalities.
On August 24, 2016, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake devastated parts of Central Italy.
The towns of Amatrice, Accumoli, and nearby villages suffered severe damage and widespread collapse.
Rescue teams from across Italy and Europe mobilized to search for survivors in the rubble.
Around 300 people lost their lives, and hundreds more were injured or displaced.
The disaster prompted renewed focus on seismic building codes and emergency response systems in Italy.
2016
earthquake strikes Central Italy
Rome
Florence