1820day.year
An 80-ton sperm whale attacks and sinks the Essex (a whaling ship from Nantucket, Massachusetts) 3,200 kilometres (2,000 mi) from the western coast of South America. (Herman Melville's 1851 novel Moby-Dick was in part inspired by this incident.)
An 80-ton sperm whale rammed and sank the Nantucket whaler Essex in the Pacific, inspiring Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick.
On November 20, 1820, the whaleship Essex was struck by a massive sperm whale about 2,000 miles off the coast of South America. The attack shattered the vessel’s bow, causing it to sink rapidly and leaving the crew adrift in whaleboats. Over the following weeks, survivors endured starvation, dehydration, and storms before rescue. The harrowing ordeal of the Essex became legendary in maritime history. Herman Melville drew on this true disaster when writing his 1851 classic Moby-Dick.
1820
sperm whale
Essex
whaling
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Herman Melville
Moby-Dick
1968day.year
A total of 78 miners are killed in an explosion at the Consolidated Coal Company's No. 9 mine in Farmington, West Virginia in the Farmington Mine disaster.
A devastating explosion at the No. 9 coal mine in Farmington, West Virginia kills 78 miners.
On November 20, 1968, a massive explosion ripped through Consolidated Coal Company's No. 9 mine in Farmington, West Virginia. The blast occurred deep underground, trapping and killing 78 miners in one of the worst mining disasters in U.S. history. The tragedy highlighted critical safety deficiencies in the coal mining industry. Public outrage over the loss of life led to stricter mine safety regulations and oversight. Investigations revealed that inadequate ventilation and outdated equipment contributed to the explosion. Memorials and annual commemorations honor the miners who perished. The disaster's legacy spurred improvements that have since saved countless lives in mining communities.
1968
Farmington Mine disaster
1974day.year
The first fatal crash of a Boeing 747 occurs when Lufthansa Flight 540 crashes while attempting to takeoff from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, killing 59 out of the 157 people on board.
On November 20, 1974, Lufthansa Flight 540 became the first Boeing 747 fatal accident when it crashed on takeoff from Nairobi, killing 59 of the 157 people on board.
On November 20, 1974, Lufthansa Flight 540, the airline's first Boeing 747 service, attempted takeoff from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Shortly after lifting off the runway, the aircraft lost lift and stalled, crashing onto the runway. The impact destroyed the front fuselage and killed 59 of the 157 people on board. Rescue teams worked through the night to recover survivors from the wreckage. The crash led to an extensive investigation by Kenyan and German authorities, revealing issues with flap configuration and checklist procedures. Boeing and Lufthansa implemented new safety protocols and improved crew training following the disaster.
Boeing 747
Lufthansa Flight 540
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Nairobi
Kenya
1980day.year
Lake Peigneur in Louisiana drains into an underlying salt deposit. A misplaced Texaco oil probe had been drilled into the Diamond Crystal Salt Mine, causing water to flow down into the mine, eroding the edges of the hole.
On November 20, 1980, Lake Peigneur in Louisiana catastrophically drained into an underground salt mine after an errant Texaco drilling operation, creating a massive whirlpool.
A Texaco oil drilling rig accidentally punctured the roof of the Diamond Crystal Salt Company mine beneath Lake Peigneur, triggering a sudden collapse. Tons of water rushed into the mine, creating a powerful vortex that drained the lake within hours. Nearby cranes and barges were swept into the mine shaft as the lake bed dropped dramatically. Miraculously, there were no fatalities, and most equipment and infrastructure were restored months later. The incident remains a unique example of human activity causing a complete inversion of a natural water body. It prompted new regulations on drilling operations near sensitive geological formations.
1980
Lake Peigneur
Louisiana
salt deposit
Texaco
1992day.year
In England, a fire breaks out in Windsor Castle, badly damaging the castle and causing over £50 million worth of damage.
On November 20, 1992, a major fire broke out at Windsor Castle, causing extensive damage and exceeding £50 million in damage costs.
The fire broke out in the castle's Private Chapel and quickly engulfed the 19th-century State Apartments. Over 400 firefighters fought the blaze for more than 15 hours, managing to rescue many historic artifacts and works of art. Despite their efforts, large sections of the interior were destroyed, leading to a restoration bill exceeding £50 million. The scale of the fire sparked a national debate over the funding of repairs for royal properties. Restoration took several years and incorporated modern fire prevention systems. Windsor Castle was eventually restored to its former grandeur, with improved safety measures in place.
1992
a fire breaks out in Windsor Castle
1993day.year
North Macedonia's deadliest aviation disaster occurs when Avioimpex Flight 110, a Yakovlev Yak-42, crashes near Ohrid Airport, killing all 116 people on board.
On this day in 1993, Avioimpex Flight 110 crashed near Ohrid Airport, killing all 116 on board in North Macedonia's deadliest air disaster.
On November 20, 1993, Avioimpex Flight 110, a Yakovlev Yak-42, crashed near Ohrid Airport during its approach, killing all 116 passengers and crew. It remains the deadliest aviation accident in North Macedonia's history. The crash occurred at night in poor weather conditions, which hampered rescue operations. A subsequent investigation examined approach procedures and navigational challenges, prompting reviews of regional aviation safety standards. This tragedy led to enhanced protocols at many small airports and underscored the risks of night operations.
North Macedonia
Avioimpex Flight 110
Yakovlev Yak-42
Ohrid Airport
1996day.year
A fire breaks out in an office building in Hong Kong, killing 41 people and injuring 81.
On this day in 1996, a fire engulfed an office building in Hong Kong, killing 41 people and injuring 81.
On November 20, 1996, a fire broke out in a multi-story office building in Hong Kong, rapidly spreading through several floors. Intense heat and dense smoke trapped occupants and hampered firefighting efforts. The blaze resulted in 41 fatalities, primarily office workers, and left 81 people injured. A subsequent inquiry highlighted deficiencies in fire-resistant materials and emergency exit accessibility. In response, Hong Kong authorities strengthened building codes and upgraded alarm and evacuation procedures to improve safety.
1996
A fire breaks out