1009day.year
Mainz Cathedral suffers extensive damage from a fire, which destroys the building on the day of its inauguration.
On the day of its consecration in 1009, Mainz Cathedral is devastated by a massive fire.
In 1009, the newly completed Mainz Cathedral in Germany was formally inaugurated by Archbishop Willigis.
Tragically, on the very day of its consecration, a blaze tore through the wooden roofs and interior.
The fire ravaged the Romanesque structure, leaving little but charred walls and debris.
This calamity forced one of Europe's grandest cathedrals to undergo extensive reconstruction in subsequent decades.
Despite the disaster, Mainz Cathedral was ultimately restored and remains a landmark of ecclesiastical architecture.
1009
Mainz Cathedral
inauguration
1741day.year
The eruption of Oshima–Ōshima and the Kampo tsunami: At least 2,000 people along the Japanese coast drown in a tsunami caused by the eruption of Oshima.
In 1741, the eruption of Mount Oshima–Ōshima triggered the devastating Kampo tsunami, drowning over 2,000 people along Japan’s coast.
On August 29, 1741, the volcanic island of Oshima–Ōshima erupted violently, displacing massive volumes of seawater.
The resulting Kampo tsunami swept across Hokkaido and northern Honshu, striking coastal villages with waves exceeding 20 meters.
At least 2,000 residents were reported dead or missing, as homes, fishing boats, and ports were obliterated.
Survivors faced famine and disease in the aftermath, with remote communities cut off from rescue and supplies.
Although precise details were limited, contemporary accounts record the disaster's magnitude and its imprint on local folklore.
The 1741 tsunami remains one of the deadliest tsunamis in Japanese history, highlighting the island nation's vulnerability to geologic hazards.
1741
eruption of Oshima–Ōshima and the Kampo tsunami
tsunami
Oshima
1907day.year
The Quebec Bridge collapses during construction, killing 75 workers.
The Quebec Bridge tragically collapsed during construction, resulting in the loss of 75 workers.
On August 29, 1907, the unsupported central span of the Quebec Bridge collapsed into the Saint Lawrence River.
At the time, it was intended to be the longest cantilever bridge in the world, spanning the river near Quebec City.
A design flaw in the bridge's load calculations led to the catastrophic failure, killing 75 workers instantly.
The disaster became one of North America's deadliest construction accidents and prompted rigorous engineering reviews.
After extensive redesign and investigation, a new crossing was completed in 1917, memorializing those who perished.
1907
Quebec Bridge
1912day.year
A typhoon strikes China, killing at least 50,000 people.
A devastating typhoon struck China, claiming at least 50,000 lives in one of the century's deadliest storms.
On August 29, 1912, a powerful typhoon made landfall along China's southeastern coast, unleashing torrential rains and high winds.
The storm surge inundated coastal villages and farmlands, causing widespread destruction and massive flooding.
With limited warning systems and communication, communities were caught unprepared, and rescue efforts were hampered.
Estimates suggest that more than 50,000 people perished, making it one of the deadliest typhoons of the early 20th century.
The disaster prompted improvements in meteorological forecasting and disaster response protocols in the region.
1912
typhoon strikes China
1915day.year
US Navy salvage divers raise F-4, the first U.S. submarine sunk in an accident.
US Navy divers successfully raised the F-4 submarine, the first U.S. sub lost in an accident.
On August 29, 1915, U.S. Navy salvage divers located and raised the sunken F-4 submarine off Honolulu's coast.
The F-4 had sunk two months earlier during a test dive, becoming the first American submarine lost in an accident.
The salvage operation involved divers working at unprecedented depths with the technology of the time.
Recovering the vessel provided valuable lessons in underwater rescue and submarine safety procedures.
The F-4 was later decommissioned, but its recovery marked a milestone in naval salvage and diving techniques.
1915
F-4
submarine
1948day.year
Northwest Airlines Flight 421 crashes in Fountain City, Wisconsin, killing all 37 aboard.
Northwest Airlines Flight 421 crashes near Fountain City, Wisconsin, killing all 37 on board in one of the era’s worst aviation disasters.
On August 29, 1948, Flight 421 encountered severe weather while approaching La Crosse Municipal Airport.
Structural failure due to turbulence caused the twin-engine aircraft to break apart in mid-air.
All 37 passengers and crew perished when the plane crashed into a wooded area near Fountain City.
The tragedy prompted investigations by civil aviation authorities into aircraft design and maintenance.
Findings led to improved safety standards for airframe resilience and crew training.
Families and local communities mourned the sudden loss of life, marking a dark chapter in commercial flight history.
The disaster underscored the importance of continued advancements in aviation safety protocols.
1948
Northwest Airlines Flight 421
Fountain City, Wisconsin
1960day.year
Air France Flight 343 crashes on approach to Yoff Airport in Senegal, killing all 63 aboard.
On August 29, 1960, Air France Flight 343 tragically crashed on approach to Yoff Airport in Senegal, resulting in the loss of all 63 lives on board.
Air France Flight 343 was a scheduled passenger flight en route to Dakar. On the evening of August 29, 1960, the aircraft attempted to land at Yoff Airport during poor weather conditions. During its final approach, the plane lost contact with air traffic control and plunged into the Atlantic Ocean. All 63 passengers and crew on board perished in the accident. The crash prompted thorough investigations that highlighted the challenges of navigating adverse weather near coastal airports. Findings led to improvements in Air France's safety procedures and air traffic control communications. Despite extensive search efforts, much of the wreckage was never recovered. The tragedy remains one of Senegal’s deadliest aviation disasters and a solemn reminder of the importance of strict safety measures in civil aviation.
1960
Air France Flight 343
Yoff Airport
1996day.year
Vnukovo Airlines Flight 2801, a Tupolev Tu-154, crashes into a mountain on the Arctic island of Spitsbergen, killing all 141 aboard.
A Tupolev Tu-154 operated by Vnukovo Airlines crashes into a mountain on Spitsbergen, killing all 141 on board.
On August 29, 1996, Vnukovo Airlines Flight 2801, a Tupolev Tu-154, was en route from Moscow to Svalbard when it crashed into a mountain on the Arctic island of Spitsbergen. All 141 passengers and crew aboard perished in the accident. Investigations attributed the collision to poor weather conditions and navigational errors. Recovery operations were hindered by extreme cold and limited visibility. The tragedy remains one of the deadliest air disasters in Arctic aviation history and prompted international reviews of polar flight safety.
1996
Vnukovo Airlines Flight 2801
Tupolev Tu-154
Arctic
Spitsbergen
1998day.year
Eighty people are killed when Cubana de Aviación Flight 389 crashes during a rejected takeoff from the Old Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador.
Cubana de Aviación Flight 389 crashes during a rejected takeoff in Quito, killing 80 people.
On August 29, 1998, Cubana de Aviación Flight 389 attempted a takeoff from Old Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador, but aborted the maneuver and skidded off the runway. The aircraft collided with terrain and engulfed in flames, resulting in 80 fatalities among passengers and crew. Investigators pointed to pilot error and poor runway conditions as contributing factors. The disaster prompted upgrades to airport safety procedures and runway monitoring systems. Families of victims called for stricter oversight of flight operations in challenging high-altitude environments. It remains one of the deadliest air accidents in Ecuador’s history.
1998
Cubana de Aviación Flight 389
rejected takeoff
Old Mariscal Sucre International Airport
Quito
2001day.year
Four people are killed when Binter Mediterráneo Flight 8261 crashes into the N-340 highway near Málaga Airport.
Binter Mediterráneo Flight 8261 crashes into a highway near Málaga Airport, killing four people.
On August 29, 2001, Binter Mediterráneo Flight 8261, a regional turboprop service, veered off the runway at Málaga Airport during landing. The aircraft collided with the N-340 highway, striking multiple vehicles and causing a deadly impact. Four people, including passengers and motorists, lost their lives as a result. Poor weather conditions and misjudgment during the landing approach were cited as contributing factors. Emergency responders faced significant challenges due to traffic congestion on the highway. The crash led to a review of airport perimeter safety and emergency access protocols.
2001
Binter Mediterráneo Flight 8261
N-340 highway
Málaga Airport
2005day.year
Hurricane Katrina devastates much of the U.S. Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, killing up to 1,836 people and causing $125 billion in damage.
Hurricane Katrina slams into the U.S. Gulf Coast, resulting in widespread destruction and massive loss of life.
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm, devastating coastal areas of Louisiana and Mississippi. Breaches in New Orleans’ levee system led to catastrophic flooding that submerged large parts of the city. The hurricane caused up to 1,836 fatalities and inflicted approximately $125 billion in damage. Millions were displaced from their homes, and the disaster exposed critical failures in emergency preparedness and response. Rescue and relief operations were hindered by widespread infrastructure collapse and coordination issues. Katrina remains one of the costliest and deadliest hurricanes in United States history, prompting major reforms in disaster management policy.
2005
Hurricane Katrina
U.S. Gulf Coast
Louisiana
Florida Panhandle
killing up to 1,836 people and causing $125 billion in damage
2012day.year
At least 26 Chinese miners are killed and 21 missing after a blast in the Xiaojiawan coal mine, located at Panzhihua, Sichuan Province.
An explosion at Xiaojiawan coal mine in Sichuan kills at least 26 miners and leaves 21 missing.
On August 29, 2012, a powerful blast occurred at the Xiaojiawan coal mine in Panzhihua, Sichuan Province, trapping numerous workers underground. The explosion claimed the lives of at least 26 miners and left 21 others missing. Rescue teams faced hazardous conditions, including unstable tunnels and toxic gases, during recovery operations. Preliminary investigations pointed to methane buildup and inadequate ventilation as potential causes. The tragedy intensified scrutiny of mine safety standards and regulatory enforcement in China. It highlighted ongoing challenges in protecting coal miners and led to calls for strengthened industry oversight.
2012
Xiaojiawan coal mine
Panzhihua, Sichuan Province