1953day.year
BCPA Flight 304 DC-6 crashes near San Francisco.
A DC-6 operated by British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines crashes near San Francisco, resulting in the loss of all passengers and crew.
On October 29, 1953, BCPA Flight 304, a Douglas DC-6, encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff from San Francisco International Airport.
The aircraft crashed into the shallow waters of San Francisco Bay amid low visibility and adverse weather conditions.
All 19 passengers and crew on board perished in the impact, marking one of the airline's worst disasters.
Investigators cited potential engine failure and pilot disorientation as contributing factors.
The tragedy prompted a review of safety procedures and navigational protocols for transpacific flights.
Improvements in air traffic control and instrument landing systems followed in subsequent years.
1953
BCPA Flight 304
DC-6
San Francisco
1955day.year
The Soviet battleship Novorossiysk strikes a World War II mine in the harbor at Sevastopol.
The Soviet battleship Novorossiysk is sunk after hitting a residual World War II mine in Sevastopol harbor.
On the morning of October 29, 1955, the Black Sea Fleet battleship Novorossiysk detonated a leftover naval mine near its moorings in Sevastopol.
The explosion tore a massive hole in the hull, causing the former Italian battleship to capsize and sink within minutes.
Over 600 sailors and officers lost their lives in one of the Soviet Navy's deadliest peacetime accidents.
The vessel, originally commissioned as the Italian Giulio Cesare, had been handed over to the USSR after World War II.
An official inquiry blamed the tragedy on uncharted mines from the war, though some theories suggest sabotage.
The loss of Novorossiysk prompted extensive mine-clearing operations in the Black Sea.
1955
Soviet battleship Novorossiysk
Sevastopol
1960day.year
An airplane carrying the Cal Poly football team crashes on takeoff in Toledo, Ohio.
The Cal Poly Mustangs football team's plane crashes on takeoff in Toledo, Ohio, resulting in numerous fatalities and shocking the college sports world.
On October 29, 1960, a chartered aircraft carrying the Cal Poly football team attempted to depart from Toledo Express Airport.
The plane struggled to gain altitude, clipped a tree beyond the runway, and crash-landed in a marshy area.
Twenty-four of the forty-eight passengers, including players and coaches, lost their lives in the accident.
Investigators pointed to an overloaded aircraft and possible mechanical issues as contributing factors.
The tragedy prompted changes in aviation regulations for athletic charters and raised awareness of travel safety in collegiate sports.
Cal Poly and its community held memorial services to honor the victims and support the survivors.
1960
Cal Poly football team crashes on takeoff
1980day.year
Demonstration flight of a secretly modified C-130 for an Iran hostage crisis rescue attempt ends in a crash landing at Eglin Air Force Base's Duke Field, Florida, leading to the cancellation of Operation Credible Sport.
A secret, modified C-130 aircraft crashes during a test flight for Operation Credible Sport, halting the planned Iran hostage rescue.
As part of an ambitious covert plan to rescue American hostages in Tehran, the U.S. military modified a C-130 transport aircraft with rocket engines for short-field landings and takeoffs. On October 29, 1980, the highly classified demonstration at Eglin AFB's Duke Field in Florida ended abruptly when the aircraft crash-landed during its final approach. Although the crew survived, the mishap exposed design flaws and operational risks. President Carter subsequently canceled Operation Credible Sport, opting instead for diplomatic negotiations. The project's failure underscored the complexities of planning high-stakes rescue missions under time pressure.
1980
C-130
Iran hostage crisis
Eglin Air Force Base
Florida
Operation Credible Sport
1998day.year
Hurricane Mitch, the second deadliest Atlantic hurricane in history, makes landfall in Honduras.
Hurricane Mitch makes landfall in Honduras as the second deadliest Atlantic hurricane on record.
On October 29, 1998, Hurricane Mitch struck the coast of Honduras with immense force. The storm unleashed catastrophic winds and flooding, displacing millions. It caused widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands. The resulting humanitarian crisis prompted international relief efforts. Mitch ultimately claimed over 11,000 lives across Central America, cementing its tragic place in meteorological history. The disaster spurred improvements in early warning systems and disaster preparedness in the region.
Hurricane Mitch
landfall
Honduras
1998day.year
The Gothenburg discothèque fire in Sweden kills 63 and injures over 200.
A deadly fire breaks out in a Gothenburg discothèque, killing 63 and injuring over 200.
On October 29, 1998, a fire erupted in a popular discothèque in Gothenburg, Sweden, during a busy weekend night. Flames spread rapidly through the crowded venue, trapping patrons inside. Emergency responders battled the blaze amid thick smoke and panic. Sixty-three people lost their lives, and more than two hundred were injured in one of Sweden's worst modern-era fire tragedies. Investigations later focused on fire safety regulations and emergency exits. The calamity led to stricter enforcement of crowd safety measures in public entertainment venues.
Gothenburg discothèque fire
1999day.year
A large cyclone devastates Odisha, India.
A powerful cyclone strikes Odisha, India, causing widespread devastation.
On October 29, 1999, a severe tropical cyclone made landfall on the coast of Odisha, India. The storm brought destructive winds and torrential rainfall, sparking flash floods and coastal surges. Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed, leaving communities without shelter. The agricultural sector suffered heavy losses as crops were inundated. Relief agencies mobilized to provide food, medical aid, and temporary housing to the victims. The disaster underscored the importance of improved forecasting and resilient infrastructure along India's vulnerable coastline.
1999
large cyclone
Odisha
2002day.year
A fire destroys a luxurious department store in Ho Chi Minh City, where 1,500 people are shopping. More than 60 people die and over 100 are unaccounted for in the deadliest peacetime disaster in Vietnam.
A devastating fire engulfs a luxury department store in Ho Chi Minh City, killing over 60 shoppers.
On October 29, 2002, a blaze broke out in a high-end department store in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, during peak shopping hours. The inferno spread quickly through multiple floors, fueled by flammable materials and poor fire containment. Shoppers and staff struggled to escape as smoke and flames overtook stairwells. More than sixty people perished in the deadliest peacetime disaster in Vietnam's history, and over one hundred were reported missing. The tragedy prompted a nationwide review of fire safety standards and building regulations. Government and private entities invested in upgraded detection systems and emergency training programs.
2002
fire destroys a luxurious department store
2006day.year
ADC Airlines Flight 053 crashes after takeoff from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria killing 96 people and injuring nine.
ADC Airlines Flight 053 crashes after takeoff in Abuja, killing 96 people.
On October 29, 2006, ADC Airlines Flight 053 encountered a catastrophic failure shortly after departing Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria. The aircraft crashed into a residential area, igniting fires and causing widespread devastation. Of the 105 people on board, ninety-six lost their lives and nine were injured. Investigations cited possible mechanical problems and procedural errors during takeoff. The tragedy prompted Nigerian aviation authorities to reevaluate maintenance standards and pilot training programs. The families of victims and the aviation community urged reforms to enhance flight safety across the region.
2006
ADC Airlines Flight 053
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
Abuja
2008day.year
A pair of deadly earthquakes hits Baluchistan, Pakistan, killing 215.
Twin earthquakes in Baluchistan, Pakistan, claim over 215 lives.
On October 29, 2008, a series of two powerful earthquakes struck the southwestern province of Baluchistan in Pakistan. The tremors, registering above magnitudes 6.0, unleashed landslides and destroyed homes in remote mountainous areas. Rescue teams faced difficult terrain and limited infrastructure as they searched for survivors. Over two hundred and fifteen people were reported dead, with many more injured and displaced. Humanitarian organizations delivered emergency aid, including tents, food, and medical supplies, to affected communities. The disaster highlighted the need for improved seismic monitoring and disaster response capabilities in the region.
A pair of deadly earthquakes
Baluchistan
Pakistan
2012day.year
Hurricane Sandy hits the east coast of the United States, killing hundreds, while leaving nearly $70 billion in damages and causing major power outages.
Hurricane Sandy was a devastating storm that struck the US east coast in October 2012, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and hundreds of deaths.
Hurricane Sandy formed off the Caribbean and intensified into a Category 3 storm before making landfall in the northeastern United States.
It brought record storm surges, heavy rainfall, and destructive winds to states including New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.
The storm flooded major highways, submerged parts of New York City, and cut power to millions of residents.
Emergency services responded to thousands of calls, and hospitals in affected areas evacuated patients.
Economic losses were estimated at nearly $70 billion, making it one of the costliest hurricanes in US history.
Sandy prompted improvements in disaster preparedness and coastal resilience planning.
2012
Hurricane Sandy
2014day.year
A mud slide; the 2014 Badulla landslide, in south-central Sri Lanka, kills at least 16 people, and leaves hundreds of people missing.
A deadly landslide in Badulla, Sri Lanka, triggered by heavy rains in October 2014, buried villages and killed at least 16 people.
In October 2014, prolonged monsoon rains saturated the slopes above the Badulla district in south-central Sri Lanka.
The unstable hillside collapsed, sending mud and debris down into several villages during the night.
At least 16 residents lost their lives, and hundreds were reported missing beneath the landslide.
Rescue teams, including military and local volunteers, conducted search operations amidst challenging conditions.
The disaster highlighted the risks of building homes on vulnerable terrain prone to heavy seasonal rainfall.
Authorities later assessed and reinforced other unstable hill slopes to prevent future tragedies.
2014
2014 Badulla landslide
Sri Lanka