1907day.year
Jesús García saves the entire town of Nacozari de García by driving a burning train full of dynamite six kilometres (3.7 miles) away before it can explode.
Mexican hero Jesús García saved the town of Nacozari de García by driving a burning, dynamite-laden train away from civilians on November 7, 1907.
On November 7, 1907, in Nacozari de García, Mexico, train brakeman Jesús García noticed flames engulfing a locomotive loaded with explosive dynamite. Understanding the imminent threat, he remained at his post and drove the burning train nearly six kilometers away from town. Despite the intense heat and risk of detonation, García successfully steered the locomotive to a deserted area, sacrificing his own safety. The dynamite exploded shortly after he disembarked, preventing a catastrophic blast that would have devastated the town. García succumbed to his injuries the following day, but his selfless act earned him lasting honor as the 'Hero of Nacozari.' Mexico commemorates him with statues and a national observance in recognition of his bravery.
1907
Jesús García
Nacozari de García
dynamite
1913day.year
The first day of the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, a massive blizzard that ultimately killed 250 and caused over $5 million (about $159,243,000 in 2024 dollars) damage. Winds reach hurricane force on this date.
The Great Lakes Storm of 1913 unleashes hurricane-force winds, beginning a blizzard that kills 250 and causes millions in damage on November 7, 1913.
On November 7, 1913, the Great Lakes region was struck by the 'White Hurricane,' a blizzard with hurricane-force winds and drifting snow. Fierce gales battered ships and shoreline communities, trapping vessels in icy waters. Over the next days, the storm claimed around 250 lives and sank 19 ships amid towering waves. Property damage exceeded $5 million at the time, equivalent to more than $159 million today. The disaster prompted significant improvements in weather forecasting and maritime safety regulations. Memorials and museums around the lakes now honor those lost and the enduring legacy of this historic storm.
1913
Great Lakes Storm of 1913
1916day.year
Boston Elevated Railway Company's streetcar No. 393 smashes through the warning gates of the open Summer Street drawbridge in Boston, Massachusetts, plunging into the frigid waters of Fort Point Channel, killing 46 people.
A streetcar crashes through open drawbridge gates into Boston’s Fort Point Channel on November 7, 1916, killing 46 people.
On the morning of November 7, 1916, Boston Elevated Railway streetcar No. 393 failed to stop at warning gates on the open Summer Street drawbridge. The car plunged into the icy Fort Point Channel, resulting in 46 fatalities due to drowning and hypothermia. Bystanders and city workers rushed to rescue passengers, pulling victims from the chilling depths. The disaster sparked public outrage and led to immediate investigations into transit safety procedures. In response, the railway company installed improved signaling systems, emergency gates, and strengthened operational protocols. This tragic event remains one of the deadliest transportation accidents in Massachusetts history and prompted nationwide reforms in passenger safety standards.
Boston Elevated Railway Company's
smashes
Summer Street drawbridge
Boston, Massachusetts
Fort Point Channel
1918day.year
The 1918 influenza epidemic spreads to Western Samoa, killing 7,542 (about 20% of the population) by the end of the year.
The 1918 influenza pandemic reaches Western Samoa, devastating the population and killing nearly one-fifth of its residents.
In late 1918, the global influenza pandemic reached the remote islands of Western Samoa via shipborne transmission. Lacking effective quarantine measures and medical infrastructure, the territory suffered catastrophic losses. By the end of the year, approximately 7,542 people—around 20 percent of Samoa's population—had perished. Traditional burial customs and communal gatherings further accelerated the spread. The scale of the disaster prompted later improvements in public health measures and pandemic preparedness across the Pacific.
1918
1918 influenza epidemic
Western Samoa
1940day.year
In Tacoma, Washington, the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapses in a windstorm, a mere four months after the bridge's completion.
The famed Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapses mere months after opening, offering a dramatic lesson in aerodynamic design.
On November 7, 1940, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington, nicknamed Galloping Gertie, collapsed in a severe windstorm just four months after its inauguration. High winds induced torsional oscillations that the bridge’s design could not withstand, leading to its dramatic failure. The collapse was captured on film, providing engineers with invaluable data on aeroelastic flutter. Although no motorists were harmed, a dog tragically perished in the wreckage. The incident revolutionized bridge engineering by highlighting the importance of wind tunnel testing and aerodynamic modeling. Lessons learned from this failure continue to inform the design of long-span bridges worldwide.
1940
Tacoma, Washington
original Tacoma Narrows Bridge
windstorm
1996day.year
ADC Airlines Flight 086 crashes into the Lagos Lagoon in Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria, killing all 144 people on board.
ADC Airlines Flight 086 tragically crashed into Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria in 1996, claiming 144 lives.
On November 7, 1996, Flight 086 departed from Port Harcourt bound for Lagos when it encountered technical issues shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft lost control and plunged into the Lagos Lagoon near Epe in Lagos State, killing all 144 passengers and crew on board.
The crash remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest aviation disasters, prompting investigations into maintenance standards and pilot training.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing unusual engine noises before the aircraft went down, leading to questions about possible mechanical failures.
In the aftermath, safety regulations and oversight of Nigerian carriers were scrutinized to prevent future tragedies in the country’s rapidly growing air travel sector.
ADC Airlines Flight 086
Lagos Lagoon
Epe, Lagos State
Nigeria
2007day.year
The Jokela school shooting in Jokela, Tuusula, Finland, takes place, resulting in the death of nine people.
In 2007, a school shooting in Jokela, Finland, shocked the nation, leaving nine people dead and prompting a reevaluation of gun laws.
On November 7, 2007, a lone gunman entered Jokela High School near Tuusula and opened fire on students and staff.
The attack lasted several minutes, during which nine people, including the shooter, were killed and many others injured.
It was Finland’s first school shooting and sparked a national debate on gun control, mental health, and school security.
Authorities later revealed the perpetrator had dual personality disorder and had planned the attack meticulously.
In the aftermath, Finland introduced stricter firearm licensing requirements and implemented improved preventive measures in educational institutions.
The tragic event remains a somber reminder of the need for vigilance and support for mental health within communities.
2007
Jokela school shooting
Jokela
Tuusula
2012day.year
An earthquake off the Pacific coast of Guatemala kills at least 52 people.
A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off Guatemala’s Pacific coast in 2012, killing at least 52 people.
On November 7, 2012, a magnitude 7.4 quake hit the Pacific coast of Guatemala, centered off the department of San Marcos.
The tremor caused buildings to collapse, roads to crack, and landslides that isolated remote communities.
At least 52 people lost their lives, and hundreds were injured as the region faced widespread damage.
Rescue teams raced against time to reach survivors trapped under rubble, while emergency shelters were set up for displaced families.
The government declared a state of emergency and appealed for international aid to support relief and reconstruction efforts.
The disaster highlighted Guatemala’s vulnerability to seismic events and the ongoing need for preparedness in earthquake-prone regions.
2012
earthquake
Guatemala