1732day.year
In Campo Maior, Portugal, a storm hits the Armory and a violent explosion ensues, killing two-thirds of its inhabitants.
In 1732, a violent explosion destroyed much of Campo Maior, Portugal, after a fierce storm struck the local armory.
A sudden storm battered the town of Campo Maior on September 16, 1732, unleashing torrential rains and fierce winds. Lightning struck the town’s armory, igniting thousands of gunpowder barrels stored within. The ensuing blast leveled buildings, killed hundreds of residents, and left the community in ruins. Two-thirds of the population perished, and survivors faced widespread devastation and grief. The disaster prompted investigations into armory safety and storage practices across Europe. Campo Maior slowly rebuilt, but the memory of that catastrophic day endured in local lore.
1732
Campo Maior, Portugal
1920day.year
The Wall Street bombing: A bomb in a horse wagon explodes in front of the J. P. Morgan building in New York City killing 38 and injuring 400.
A powerful bomb hidden in a horse-drawn wagon explodes near J.P. Morgan’s New York headquarters, causing mass casualties.
On September 16, 1920, an explosive device concealed in a horse cart detonated outside the J.P. Morgan bank building on Wall Street. The blast killed 38 people and wounded more than 400, becoming one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in U.S. history. Weeks prior to the bombing, political and social unrest had peaked in postwar America amid labor strikes and anarchist movements. Investigators traced the attack to radical groups but failed to secure convictions, leaving the case officially unsolved. The bombing prompted increased security measures and deeper federal scrutiny of extremist organizations. Its aftermath had a lasting impact on New York’s financial district and national policies on domestic terrorism.
1920
Wall Street bombing
1953day.year
American Airlines Flight 723 crashes in Colonie, New York, killing 28 people.
American Airlines Flight 723 crashes while landing in Colonie, New York, tragically killing 28 on board.
On September 16, 1953, American Airlines Flight 723, a Convair 240, crashed during its approach to the Albany County Airport near Colonie, New York. Poor visibility and adverse weather conditions contributed to the aircraft’s uncontrolled descent. The crash claimed the lives of 28 of the 29 people on board, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in the region at the time. Rescue crews battled rain and darkness to reach the wreckage and recover victims. Investigators later cited pilot error and navigational aids' limitations as factors in the disaster. The accident prompted improvements in instrument landing systems and air traffic control procedures across the United States.
1953
American Airlines Flight 723
Colonie, New York
1961day.year
Typhoon Nancy, with possibly the strongest winds ever measured in a tropical cyclone, makes landfall in Osaka, Japan, killing 173 people.
Typhoon Nancy strikes Osaka with record-breaking winds, resulting in widespread devastation and over 170 fatalities.
On September 16, 1961, Typhoon Nancy made landfall near Osaka, Japan, unleashing possibly the strongest winds ever measured in a tropical cyclone at the time. The storm tore through coastal communities, destroying homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands. Torrential rains and storm surges compounded the damage, leaving entire neighborhoods without power or clean water. Rescue and relief efforts were hampered by flooded roads and damaged communications. Ultimately, 173 lives were lost and thousands of residents were displaced. The disaster prompted improvements in Japan's meteorological forecasting and disaster preparedness systems to better respond to future typhoons.
Typhoon Nancy
Osaka
1978day.year
The 7.4 Mw Tabas earthquake affects the city of Tabas, Iran with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). At least 15,000 people are killed.
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake devastates Tabas, Iran, causing massive destruction and killing at least 15,000 people.
On September 16, 1978, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck near the town of Tabas in central Iran, registering IX (Violent) on the Mercalli intensity scale. The quake leveled much of Tabas, reducing buildings to rubble and igniting fires across the city. Rescue efforts were hampered by aftershocks, limited infrastructure, and the desert environment. Iranian and international aid teams worked to recover survivors and provide emergency relief. Official reports estimated at least 15,000 fatalities and tens of thousands injured or homeless. The catastrophe prompted improvements in Iranian seismic building codes and disaster response strategies that continue to influence the region today.
1978
Tabas earthquake
Tabas
Mercalli intensity
2004day.year
Hurricane Ivan makes landfall in Gulf Shores, Alabama as a Category 3 hurricane.
Hurricane Ivan, a powerful Category 3 storm, made landfall on Gulf Shores, Alabama on September 16, 2004, delivering destructive winds and storm surge.
Hurricane Ivan formed in the Atlantic and quickly intensified into a major storm.
On September 16, 2004, it made landfall on Gulf Shores, Alabama, as a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds over 125 mph.
The powerful surge inundated coastal communities, damaging homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
Fierce winds uprooted trees, downed power lines, and left tens of thousands without electricity.
Emergency teams were deployed to conduct search and rescue operations amid widespread flooding.
Ivan's landfall highlighted the ongoing risks faced by Gulf Coast residents and spurred reviews of hurricane preparedness.
2004
Hurricane Ivan
Category 3 hurricane
2007day.year
One-Two-Go Airlines Flight 269 carrying 130 crew and passengers crashes in Thailand, killing 90 people.
One-Two-Go Airlines Flight 269 crashed in Thailand on September 16, 2007, killing 90 of the 130 people on board in one of the country's deadliest air disasters.
Flight 269 was a domestic Boeing 737 service from Bangkok to Phuket operated by One-Two-Go Airlines.
On September 16, 2007, the plane overshot the runway while landing at Phuket International Airport in heavy rain.
The aircraft broke apart and caught fire, killing 90 people and injuring survivors.
Investigations pointed to pilot error and poor weather conditions as contributing factors.
This crash prompted increased scrutiny of One-Two-Go's safety practices and regulatory oversight.
Thai authorities implemented stricter landing protocols in adverse weather following the incident.
The tragedy remains a somber reminder of the challenges of flight operations in tropical storms.
2007
One-Two-Go Airlines Flight 269
2015day.year
A 8.3 Mw earthquake strikes the Chilean city of Illapel, killing 15 people, injuring at least 34, leaving at least six missing, and causing extensive damage. One person also dies in Argentina.
A powerful 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Illapel, Chile on September 16, 2015, causing widespread destruction and multiple casualties.
The earthquake struck off the coast near Illapel with a moment magnitude of 8.3.
Tremors were strongly felt in central Chile and distant cities such as Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In Illapel, the quake collapsed buildings, damaged infrastructure, and sparked landslides.
The disaster killed 15 people, injured at least 34, and left six others missing; an additional fatality occurred across the border.
Authorities issued tsunami warnings and evacuated coastal areas as a precaution.
Search and rescue teams were deployed immediately to find survivors and assist affected families.
The event highlighted Chile's seismic risk and the importance of preparedness in quake-prone zones.
2015
earthquake
Illapel
2021day.year
A 6.0 Mw earthquake strikes Lu County, Sichuan, China, killing three and injuring more than 88.
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit Lu County in Sichuan province, China, causing fatalities and widespread injuries.
On September 16, 2021, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Lu County in Sichuan province, China. The tremor caused significant damage to buildings and roads, triggering aftershocks that unsettled residents. Rescue teams and local volunteers worked through the night to search for survivors amid collapsed structures. Authorities reported three fatalities and over 88 injuries, with dozens requiring hospitalization. Medical personnel and emergency services were mobilized to provide critical care and support to affected communities. The event underscored the seismic vulnerability of the region and prompted discussions on improving disaster preparedness and response measures.
2021
earthquake strikes Lu County