1780day.year
The Great Hurricane of 1780 finishes after its sixth day, killing between 20,000 and 24,000 residents of the Lesser Antilles.
On October 16, 1780, the Great Hurricane of 1780 finally subsided, having taken between 20,000 and 24,000 lives in the Lesser Antilles.
The Great Hurricane of 1780 was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane on record, impacting the Lesser Antilles.
Over six days, it ravaged islands including Barbados, Martinique, and St. Lucia with catastrophic winds and storm surge.
On October 16, the storm finally abated, leaving an estimated 20,000 to 24,000 people dead.
Entire towns were destroyed, plantations were obliterated, and the region's economy was severely crippled.
The hurricane's unprecedented scale prompted early discussions on disaster preparedness in the Caribbean.
Its legacy endures in colonial records and Caribbean oral histories of 18th-century calamity.
Great Hurricane of 1780
1834day.year
Much of the ancient structure of the Palace of Westminster in London burns to the ground.
On October 16, 1834, a massive fire destroyed much of the old Palace of Westminster in London.
Early on October 16, 1834, a devastating fire broke out in the Houses of Parliament in London, consuming much of the ancient Palace of Westminster. The blaze, sparked by overheating of tally sticks used for accounting, rapidly spread through the medieval complex. St Stephen's Chapel, Westminster Hall, and several royal apartments were reduced to ruins. The catastrophe prompted a competition to redesign the seat of British government, leading to Charles Barry's Gothic Revival masterpiece. The new Palace of Westminster became an iconic symbol of British democracy and architectural grandeur. Despite the loss, the fire accelerated modernization of fire safety and parliamentary facilities.
1834
burns to the ground
1996day.year
Eighty-four football fans die and 180 are injured in a massive crush at a match in Guatemala City.
On October 16, 1996, a tragic stadium crush at a football match in Guatemala City resulted in 84 deaths and 180 injuries.
During a national league match between Comunicaciones and Municipal, police used tear gas to control fans attempting to storm the field. The ensuing panic and a locked gate triggered a deadly crush at the Estadio Mateo Flores. Eighty-four spectators lost their lives and 180 more were injured in one of the worst sporting disasters in Central American history. The tragedy led to criticism of stadium safety standards and prompted reforms in crowd control procedures. Memorials and investigations emphasized the need for better emergency planning at large events.
1996
crush
a match
2013day.year
Lao Airlines Flight 301 crashes on approach to Pakse International Airport in Laos, killing 49 people.
Lao Airlines Flight 301 crashes on approach to Pakse, Laos, tragically killing all 49 passengers and crew.
On the morning of October 16, 2013, Lao Airlines Flight 301, operated by a Bombardier Q400 aircraft, was preparing to land at Pakse International Airport amid poor weather.
The flight encountered severe thunderstorms and turbulence, causing the aircraft to lose control and crash into the Mekong River.
All 49 people on board, including passengers and crew, perished in the accident.
Investigators identified wind shear and heavy rain as contributing factors, highlighting the challenges of flying in tropical storm conditions.
The tragedy prompted reviews of weather protocols and led to improved safety measures for domestic flights in Laos.
2013
Lao Airlines Flight 301