October 18

The 1356 Basel earthquake remains the most powerful recorded north of the Alps. Its tremors destroyed much of the medieval town, toppling walls and collapsing buildings. Residents faced widespread ruin, with thousands of structures reduced to rubble. The disaster prompted new studies in seismology and changes in construction practices. It reshaped the urban landscape and influenced architectural resilience in central Europe. The memory of the quake endured, reminding future generations of nature's unpredictable force.

Frendraught Castle, home to the Crichton family in Aberdeenshire, was engulfed in flames in 1630. The cause of the fire remains a subject of historical speculation, possibly due to accident or arson. James Crichton of Frendraught lost his ancestral residence and many valuable possessions. Local accounts describe a dramatic rescue of some inhabitants from the burning keep. The ruins of the castle stood as a haunting reminder of feudal tensions in 17th-century Scotland. The event has inspired legends and ballads in Scottish folklore.

On October 18, 1992, Flight 5601 departed from Bandung en route to Jakarta under challenging conditions. The Fokker F28 encountered poor weather and heavy rain as it approached its destination. Disorientation and limited visibility led the aircraft off course towards Mount Papandayan. The plane struck the volcanic slopes near Garut, resulting in a catastrophic crash. All 31 passengers and crew aboard perished in the accident. The tragedy prompted investigations into flight protocols and improved navigation training for Indonesian airlines.