1944day.year
Liquefied natural gas leaks from storage tanks in Cleveland and then explodes, leveling 30 blocks and killing 130 people.
A massive explosion ripped through Cleveland after liquefied natural gas leaked from storage tanks, leveling 30 blocks and killing 130 people.
On October 20, 1944, a rupture in the local liquefied natural gas storage system unleashed a deadly vapor cloud across Cleveland. As the gas mixed with air, it ignited in a series of explosions that devastated the city's east side. The blasts destroyed homes, businesses, and infrastructure across thirty city blocks, claiming 130 lives and injuring hundreds more. Rescue operations faced dangerous conditions due to fires and structural collapses. The disaster spurred improvements in gas storage safety regulations and urban planning. Cleveland commemorates the tragedy each year to honor the victims and learn from the lessons of the past.
Liquefied natural gas
explodes
1948day.year
A KLM Lockheed L-049 Constellation crashes on approach to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, killing 40.
A KLM Lockheed Constellation crashes on approach to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, killing all 40 people on board.
On October 20, 1948, a KLM Lockheed L-049 Constellation en route to Prestwick Airport in Scotland encountered navigational difficulties during its night approach. The aircraft descended below the safe glide path and struck terrain short of the runway. All 40 people on board lost their lives in the crash, making it one of the deadliest air disasters in Britain that year. Investigators cited instrument misreadings and poor visibility as contributing factors. The tragedy prompted reviews of approach procedures and radio navigation aids at Prestwick. Memorials were later erected to honor the victims and improve aviation safety standards.
1948
KLM
Lockheed L-049 Constellation
crashes
Glasgow Prestwick Airport
1976day.year
The Luling–Destrehan Ferry MV George Prince is struck by the Norwegian freighter SS Frosta while crossing the Mississippi River in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. Seventy-eight passengers and crew die, and only 18 people aboard the ferry survive.
The Luling–Destrehan ferry MV George Prince is struck by the freighter SS Frosta, killing 78 people in a Mississippi River tragedy.
On October 20, 1976, the MV George Prince collided with the Norwegian freighter SS Frosta while crossing the Mississippi River near Louisiana.
A sudden collision in dense fog caused the ferry to capsize within moments.
Of the 96 passengers and crew aboard, 78 lost their lives in the swift river currents.
Only 18 survivors managed to cling to debris or were rescued by nearby vessels.
Investigators attributed the disaster to poor visibility and communication failures.
The tragedy led to improvements in river navigation protocols and ferry safety regulations nationwide.
1976
Luling–Destrehan Ferry
MV George Prince is struck
SS Frosta
Mississippi River
St. Charles Parish, Louisiana
1977day.year
A plane carrying the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd crashes in woodland in Mississippi, United States. Six people, including three band members, are killed.
A plane carrying the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd crashes in Mississippi, killing six people including band members.
On October 20, 1977, a Convair CV-240 carrying rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd ran out of fuel and crashed in wooded terrain near Gillsburg, Mississippi.
Lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines were among the six fatalities.
Survivors endured severe injuries and the band was left in shock by the tragedy.
The crash marked a somber chapter in rock history and solidified the band's legacy.
The site of the accident has since become a pilgrimage spot for fans honoring the fallen musicians.
Despite the loss, Lynyrd Skynyrd's music continued to resonate and influence future artists.
1977
Lynyrd Skynyrd
crashes
Mississippi
1982day.year
During the UEFA Cup match between FC Spartak Moscow and HFC Haarlem, 66 people are crushed to death in the Luzhniki disaster.
A deadly crowd crush during a UEFA Cup match at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium kills 66 spectators in the Luzhniki disaster.
On October 20, 1982, a UEFA Cup match between FC Spartak Moscow and HFC Haarlem ended in tragedy at the Luzhniki Stadium.
A sudden surge of fans moving toward exit gates triggered a deadly crush, resulting in 66 fatalities.
Flawed stadium design and inadequate crowd control measures were cited as primary causes.
Soviet authorities initially suppressed details, but eyewitness reports later revealed the full horror.
The disaster prompted widespread reforms in stadium safety standards across Europe.
Annual memorials honor the victims and serve as a reminder of the importance of crowd management.
1982
FC Spartak Moscow
HFC Haarlem
Luzhniki disaster
1986day.year
Aeroflot Flight 6502 crashes while landing at Kuibyshev Airport (now Kuromoch International Airport) in Kuibyshev (now present-day Samara, Russia), killing 70 people.
Aeroflot Flight 6502 crashes while landing at Kuibyshev Airport (now Kuromoch International Airport), killing 70 people.
On October 20, 1986, Aeroflot Flight 6502 suffered a fatal crash while attempting to land at Kuibyshev Airport in the Soviet Union.
The Tu-134 aircraft descended below the glide path in poor visibility and struck obstacles short of the runway.
Seventy passengers and crew were killed, making it one of the deadliest domestic air disasters in Soviet history.
Investigators pointed to pilot error and inadequate air traffic guidance as contributing factors.
In response, Soviet civil aviation authorities overhauled flight safety regulations and pilot training programs.
Memorial ceremonies were held, highlighting the human cost of aviation lapses.
1986
Aeroflot Flight 6502
Kuromoch International Airport
Samara
Russia
1991day.year
A 6.8 Mw earthquake strikes the Uttarkashi region of India, killing more than 1,000 people.
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake shakes the Uttarkashi region of India, killing over 1,000 people and causing widespread destruction.
On October 20, 1991, a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook the Uttarkashi district in the Indian Himalayas.
The quake razed entire villages, triggered landslides, and claimed more than 1,000 lives.
Rescue operations were hampered by damaged roads and the rugged mountain terrain.
Thousands of survivors were left homeless as aftershocks and cold weather set in.
The disaster exposed critical gaps in rural earthquake preparedness and building standards.
Reconstruction efforts focused on implementing earthquake-resistant design and community training initiatives.
1991
Mw
strikes
Uttarkashi
1991day.year
A massive firestorm breaks out in the hills of Oakland and Berkeley, California killing 25 people and destroying more than 3,000 homes, apartments and condominiums.
A devastating firestorm tore through the Oakland and Berkeley hills in 1991, killing 25 people and destroying over 3,000 homes.
On October 20, 1991, a catastrophic firestorm erupted in the hills of Oakland and Berkeley, California. Fueled by strong winds and dry vegetation, the blaze rapidly consumed residential neighborhoods. In a matter of hours, over 3,000 homes, apartments, and condominiums were destroyed. Firefighters battled the inferno amid extreme conditions, struggling to contain the flames. The disaster claimed 25 lives and injured dozens more, displacing thousands of residents. In its aftermath, urban planning and emergency response protocols were reevaluated to better protect communities in fire-prone regions.
firestorm
in the hills of Oakland and Berkeley, California