September 24

On September 24, 1959, TAI Flight 307, a domestic airline service departing Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport in France, suffered engine failure shortly after takeoff. The aircraft lost altitude and crashed near the airport perimeter, igniting on impact and trapping passengers inside. Of the 63 people on board, 55 lost their lives, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in French history at the time. The tragedy prompted rigorous investigations into engine maintenance and safety protocols. New regulations on aircraft inspection and crew training were implemented to prevent similar disasters. The crash remains a somber reminder of the importance of aviation safety standards.

Hurricane Rita formed in the Gulf of Mexico and quickly intensified into a Category 3 storm by landfall on September 24, 2005. The hurricane slammed into southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas, breaching levees and inundating coastal communities. Hundreds of thousands evacuated in advance, yet the storm still resulted in significant property damage and fatalities. The recovery effort highlighted challenges in disaster preparedness following Hurricane Katrina weeks earlier. Rita remains one of the strongest and costliest hurricanes in U.S. history.

On September 24, 2009, SA Airlink Flight 8911 experienced landing difficulties and crashed just short of Durban International Airport's runway. The accident claimed the life of the flight captain while other crew members sustained injuries. Investigators examined weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records, and pilot communications. The crash highlighted aviation safety practices in South Africa's regional airlines. Subsequent recommendations aimed to improve crew training and runway approach protocols.

At dawn on September 24, 2013, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh. The quake devastated remote mountain villages, triggering landslides and collapsing mud-brick homes. Rescue teams faced challenges reaching affected areas due to damaged roads and aftershocks. By the end of the day, the death toll exceeded 327, with many injured and numerous displaced. Humanitarian aid was mobilized to provide shelter, medical care, and essential supplies.

In September 2015, pilgrims gathered in Mina during the height of the Hajj pilgrimage. As crowds converged on narrow streets in intense heat, movement became chaotic. A sudden surge caused hundreds of people to fall and be crushed underfoot. Emergency services struggled to reach the scene amid the throngs of worshippers. More than 1,100 lives were lost, and approximately 934 pilgrims suffered injuries. Victims represented dozens of nations, underscoring the global nature of the Hajj. The disaster led to calls for enhanced crowd control measures to prevent future tragedies.