1666day.year
The Great Fire of London breaks out and burns for three days, destroying 10,000 buildings, including Old St Paul's Cathedral.
A massive blaze engulfs London for three days, gutting thousands of buildings and reshaping the cityscape.
Beginning in a bakery on Pudding Lane on September 2, 1666, the Great Fire of London quickly spread through tightly packed wooden homes and shops. Fierce winds drove the flames eastward, overwhelming firefighting efforts and consuming major landmarks such as Old St Paul’s Cathedral. By the time the fire subsided, it had destroyed over 10,000 structures and left tens of thousands homeless. The catastrophe prompted the creation of new building codes, wider streets, and the reconstruction plan by Sir Christopher Wren. Though relatively few lives were recorded lost, the fire’s impact on urban planning and architecture was profound. London emerged from the ashes with a transformed skyline and legacy of resilience.
1666
Great Fire of London
Old St Paul's Cathedral
1806day.year
A massive landslide destroys the town of Goldau, Switzerland, killing 457.
A devastating landslide in Goldau, Switzerland, obliterated the town and claimed hundreds of lives.
On September 2, 1806, a massive slope of rock and earth collapsed above the Swiss village of Goldau.
The sudden landslide buried homes, farms, and the railway station under tons of debris.
Rescue efforts were hampered by unstable terrain and falling boulders.
Ultimately, 457 people lost their lives, making it one of Switzerland’s deadliest natural disasters.
The catastrophe prompted early studies in geology and mountain hazards.
In the aftermath, Goldau was rebuilt with reinforced slopes and hazard monitoring systems.
1806
Goldau
1935day.year
The Labor Day Hurricane, the most intense hurricane to strike the United States, makes landfall at Long Key, Florida, killing at least 400.
The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane makes a devastating landfall at Long Key, Florida, becoming the strongest U.S. hurricane on record and claiming hundreds of lives.
On 2 September 1935, the Labor Day Hurricane slammed into the Florida Keys as a Category 5 storm with winds exceeding 185 mph. This hurricane holds the record for the highest wind speeds ever measured at landfall in the United States. It pounded Long Key and surrounding islands, destroying homes, bridges, and the Florida East Coast Railway. At least 400 people, including many World War I veterans working on a relief project, lost their lives, making it one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history. The disaster prompted significant improvements in hurricane forecasting, warning systems, and emergency response planning. Memorials and historical markers today commemorate the victims and the storm’s profound impact on the region. The 1935 hurricane remains a sobering example of nature’s raw power and the need for vigilance in coastal communities.
1935
Labor Day Hurricane
Long Key
1970day.year
Aeroflot Flight 3630, a Tupolev Tu-124 en route from southern Russia to Lithuania, crashes after the pilots lost control of the aircraft at cruise altitude between Rostov-on-Don Airport and Vilnius Airport, on the second leg of the flight; all 37 passengers and crew are killed.
In 1970, Aeroflot Flight 3630, a Tupolev Tu-124 flying from southern Russia to Vilnius, lost control at cruise altitude and crashed, killing all 37 people onboard.
On September 2, 1970, Aeroflot Flight 3630 departed Rostov-on-Don en route to Vilnius as the second leg of its journey from the Black Sea coast to Lithuania. Cruising at high altitude over southern Russia, the Tu-124 suddenly entered an uncontrollable descent for reasons that were never conclusively determined. Despite attempts by the flight crew to regain stability, the aircraft crashed into terrain, killing all 37 passengers and crew. The disaster prompted investigations into potential mechanical failure, pilot error, or aerodynamic phenomena. Soviet aviation authorities conducted inquiries but released limited information, leaving many details unresolved. The tragedy underscored the risks of early jet airliner operations and led to calls for improved safety protocols. Memorials were later held for the victims, highlighting the human cost of air travel mishaps during the era.
Aeroflot Flight 3630
Tupolev Tu-124
Lithuania
Rostov-on-Don Airport
Vilnius Airport
1992day.year
The 7.7 Mw Nicaragua earthquake affected the west coast of Nicaragua. With a Ms–Mw disparity of half a unit, this tsunami earthquake triggered a tsunami that caused most of the damage and casualties, with at least 116 killed. Typical runup heights were 3–8 meters (9.8–26.2 ft).
A tsunami earthquake off Nicaragua in 1992 generated devastating waves that killed over 100 people and caused widespread coastal damage.
On September 2, 1992, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the western coast of Nicaragua. This tsunami earthquake exhibited an unusual Ms–Mw disparity that amplified its tsunami potential. Waves with runup heights between 3 and 8 meters inundated coastal towns and fishing villages. The resulting tsunami caused the majority of destruction and claimed at least 116 lives. Buildings, boats, and shoreline infrastructure suffered extensive damage. Rescue and relief efforts were complicated by damaged roads and communication failures. The event prompted improvements in Central American tsunami warning systems and disaster preparedness. Researchers continue to study the quake to better understand tsunami earthquake mechanisms.
1992
Nicaragua earthquake
Ms
Mw
tsunami earthquake
1998day.year
Swissair Flight 111 crashes near Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia; all 229 people on board are killed.
In 1998, Swissair Flight 111 crashed off Nova Scotia, killing all 229 aboard.
On September 2, 1998, Swissair Flight 111, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was en route from New York City to Geneva when it crashed near Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. The aircraft encountered smoke in the cockpit, prompting a rapid descent attempt toward Halifax. Air traffic controllers cleared the flight for an emergency landing, but the plane tragically crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. All 229 passengers and crew lost their lives, marking it as one of Canada's deadliest aviation disasters. Investigators later traced the cause to faulty wiring and flammable insulation materials. The accident led to sweeping changes in aircraft fire safety regulations and materials. Memorials now stand in Nova Scotia to honor those who perished.
1998
Swissair Flight 111
Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia
2009day.year
The Andhra Pradesh, India helicopter crash occurred near Rudrakonda Hill, 40 nautical miles (74 km) from Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India. Fatalities included Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
A 2009 helicopter crash in Andhra Pradesh killed the state's Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and others.
On September 2, 2009, a Bell 430 twin-engine helicopter carrying Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy of Andhra Pradesh crashed near Rudrakonda Hill. The aircraft vanished from radar approximately 74 kilometers from Kurnool during routine travel across the state. Search teams located the wreckage several days later in dense forest terrain. All five on board, including the Chief Minister and his personal staff, perished in the accident. The sudden loss of Reddy triggered widespread political uncertainty and grief across Andhra Pradesh. Investigations pointed to possible mechanical failure and challenging weather conditions as contributing factors. The tragedy prompted calls for improved aviation safety protocols for political figures. Memorials and tributes honored Reddy's social welfare initiatives following his death.
2009
Andhra Pradesh, India helicopter crash
Kurnool
Andhra Pradesh
India
Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy
2018day.year
National Museum of Brazil fire, A massive fire destroys most of the Paço de São Cristóvão, which houses the National Museum of Brazil, in Rio de Janeiro. The museum holds important archaeοlogical and anthropological objects, including the remains of the Luzia Woman, Marajoara vases and Egyptian mummies.
A massive 2018 fire devastated the National Museum of Brazil, destroying priceless collections and cultural heritage.
On September 2, 2018, a catastrophic fire engulfed the Paço de São Cristóvão palace, home to the National Museum of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. Flames consumed vast galleries containing archaeological and anthropological treasures. Artifacts lost included the ancient Luzia Woman fossils, Marajoara ceramics, and an extensive Egyptian mummy collection. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours amid water shortages and aging electrical infrastructure. The museum, founded in 1818, was Latin America's oldest scientific institution. The disaster sparked global mourning and intense scrutiny over funding for cultural preservation. Rebuilding plans emerged alongside efforts to salvage and restore surviving fragments. The fire underscored the vulnerability of heritage sites and the need for robust conservation measures.
2018
National Museum of Brazil fire
Paço de São Cristóvão
Rio de Janeiro
2019day.year
Hurricane Dorian, a category 5 hurricane, devastates the Bahamas, killing at least five.
In 2019, Hurricane Dorian struck the Bahamas as a Category 5 storm, causing catastrophic damage and fatalities.
From August 31 to September 2, 2019, Hurricane Dorian pounded the northern Bahamas with sustained winds exceeding 185 mph. The slow-moving storm produced unprecedented storm surge and flooding, submerging entire communities. Abaco and Grand Bahama Islands suffered the worst destruction, with homes and infrastructure leveled. At least five people lost their lives, and hundreds were reported missing in the aftermath. Emergency responders faced logistical challenges amid damaged roads and limited resources. International aid agencies mobilized relief efforts to provide shelter, food, and medical care. Dorian became one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record, tying for the highest wind speeds at landfall. Recovery and rebuilding efforts continue to shape the islands' resilience against future storms.
2019
Hurricane Dorian
category 5 hurricane
the Bahamas
2019day.year
The dive boat MV Conception catches fire and sinks near Santa Cruz Island, killing 34.
On September 2, 2019, the dive boat MV Conception caught fire and sank off Santa Cruz Island, California, leading to the tragic loss of 34 lives.
On September 2, 2019, MV Conception was anchored off Santa Cruz Island, California, with 33 passengers and six crew members aboard.
In the early morning, a fire broke out below deck, rapidly engulfing the vessel.
The blaze trapped divers sleeping in bunk rooms and prevented a full crew evacuation.
Despite swift efforts by the U.S. Coast Guard and nearby vessels, 34 lives were lost in the disaster.
The tragedy prompted sweeping safety reviews and led to new regulations on marine fire prevention and emergency protocols.
2019
catches fire and sinks
Santa Cruz Island