September 21

On September 21, 1921, an ammonium sulfate-nitrate fertilizer silo at the BASF plant in Oppau detonated in a massive explosion. The blast leveled much of the surrounding town and produced a shockwave felt kilometers away. Poor mixing procedures had allowed explosive pockets to form within the silo’s contents. Official death tolls range between 500 and 600 workers and residents. The disaster prompted stricter safety regulations for chemical storage across Europe. Oppau’s rebuilding incorporated advanced urban planning and improved industrial safety measures.

In September 1934, an exceptionally strong typhoon made landfall on western Honshū, bringing torrential rains and winds exceeding 200 km/h. Rivers overflowed, triggering landslides and flooding across several prefectures. Coastal communities suffered severe storm surges that destroyed homes and infrastructure. More than 3,000 lives were lost, and tens of thousands were displaced by the disaster. The event spurred improvements in Japan’s weather forecasting and disaster preparedness systems. It remains one of the deadliest typhoons in the country’s recorded history.

Late on September 21, 1938, the Great New England Hurricane struck Long Island as a Category 3 storm. With sustained winds surpassing 120 mph, it uprooted thousands of trees and demolished coastal homes. Storm surges inundated bays and rivers, devastating waterfront communities. The death toll, estimated between 500 and 700, was the highest for any U.S. hurricane until the mid-20th century. Recovery efforts were hampered by widespread power outages and damaged infrastructure. The storm led to significant advancements in U.S. hurricane forecasting and emergency response planning.

During the stormy night of September 21, 1957, the Pamir was battered by Hurricane Carrie in the Atlantic and foundered near the Azores. The German training ship, one of the last commercial sailing vessels, was overloaded with grain when it encountered hurricane-force winds. Rescue attempts were hampered by rough seas, and the vessel ultimately sank, claiming the lives of dozens of crew members. A handful of survivors were rescued days later, highlighting both their resilience and the disaster’s severity. The sinking of the Pamir underscored the dangers faced by sail-powered cargo ships caught in severe weather. Maritime regulations and safety procedures were reevaluated in the disaster’s aftermath to protect future seafarers.

On the evening of September 21, 1969, Mexicana Flight 801, a Boeing 727-100, attempted to land at Mexico City International Airport. Poor visibility and navigational challenges led the aircraft to descend below the safe glide path and strike terrain. The crash killed 27 passengers and crew, while survivors recounted sudden impact and evacuation efforts. Investigations pointed to pilot error, instrument misreading, and complex approach procedures in mountainous terrain. The accident prompted improvements in approach lighting systems and crew training protocols for high-altitude airports. Memorials and safety studies emerged from the tragedy, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The aircraft was en route from Sochi to Batumi when it came under fire amid the Abkhaz–Georgian conflict. Eyewitnesses reported a surface-to-air missile strike breaking the plane apart in midair. All passengers and crew aboard the Tu-134 were killed. The incident highlighted the dangers of civilian aviation operating near active war zones. International condemnation followed, and Georgia accused Abkhaz forces of targeting the flight. The shootdown led to increased calls for safe air corridors and reinforced the need for greater protection of airlines in conflict regions. The tragedy remains a somber reminder of the risks faced by non-combatants during armed conflicts.

In 1997, a burglar set fire to St. Olaf's Church, a picturesque 16th-century stone building in Tyrvää, Finland. Originally built as a Catholic place of worship, the church had survived centuries of history in the remote countryside. The arson attack destroyed valuable frescoes and damaged the resilient granite walls. This was the second devastating fire to strike the church in a short span of time. Local residents and art historians mourned the loss of the unique medieval architecture. Restoration efforts began soon after, aiming to preserve and rebuild the treasured landmark.

The Chi-Chi earthquake struck central Taiwan on September 21, 1999, registering a magnitude of 7.6. Centered near the town of Jiji, the powerful tremor flattened buildings and triggered deadly landslides. Approximately 2,400 people lost their lives and over 10,000 were injured. Critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and water systems were severely damaged. The disaster prompted a nationwide overhaul of seismic building codes and emergency preparedness measures. International aid poured in to assist with rescue operations and reconstruction efforts.

On September 21, 2019, a 5.6 Mw earthquake struck near the Albanian port city of Durrës, sending tremors across the region. The quake, with an epicenter in the Adriatic Sea just offshore, caused significant shaking in Tirana, the capital located 34 km away. Forty-nine people were injured as buildings cracked, windows shattered, and frightened residents evacuated into the streets. Several strong aftershocks followed, hampering rescue efforts and heightening community anxiety. Albanian search and rescue teams, supported by local volunteers, worked through the night to clear debris and provide medical assistance. The disaster exposed vulnerabilities in Albania's infrastructure and spurred calls for stricter building standards and improved emergency response. International aid organizations also pledged support, offering equipment and expertise to bolster the nation's earthquake preparedness.