1950day.year
Two Canadian National Railway trains collide in northeastern British Columbia in the Canoe River train crash; the death toll is 21, with 17 of them Canadian troops bound for Korea.
Two Canadian National Railway trains collide at Canoe River, British Columbia, killing 21 people, including Canadian troops bound for the Korean War.
In heavy fog on November 21, 1950, two CN trains traveling along the Canoe River line in northeastern British Columbia collided head-on. Among the 21 victims were 17 Canadian soldiers en route to join United Nations forces in Korea. Investigations pointed to a misread order and signaling error as the primary causes of the crash. The tragedy prompted comprehensive safety reviews and improvements in Canadian rail operations. It remains one of Canada's deadliest rail accidents.
1950
Canadian National Railway
British Columbia
Canoe River train crash
1980day.year
A deadly fire breaks out at the MGM Grand Hotel in Paradise, Nevada (now Bally's Las Vegas). Eighty-five people are killed and more than 650 are injured in the worst disaster in Nevada history.
A deadly fire at the MGM Grand Hotel in Paradise, Nevada kills 85 and injures over 650, marking the worst disaster in Nevada history.
On November 21, 1980, a fire erupted in the restaurants and showroom of the MGM Grand Hotel in Paradise, Nevada. Fueled by faulty wiring and flammable interior materials, the blaze spread rapidly through the building. Eighty-five people perished, and more than 650 were injured, making it the deadliest disaster in Nevada history. Rescue efforts were hampered by thick smoke and blocked emergency exits. The catastrophe led to sweeping reforms in fire safety codes and hotel evacuation procedures across the United States. New regulations mandated improved sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and clear exit signage in all high-rise buildings. The MGM Grand tragedy remains a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety standards.
1980
deadly fire
Paradise, Nevada
Bally's Las Vegas
1990day.year
Bangkok Airways Flight 125 crashes on approach to Samui Airport, killing 38.
Bangkok Airways Flight 125 crashes on approach to Samui Airport, killing 38 passengers and crew.
On November 21, 1990, Bangkok Airways Flight 125 crashed while on approach to Samui Airport in Thailand. The short-haul aircraft encountered severe weather and pilot miscommunication during its landing descent. The crash claimed the lives of all 38 passengers and crew members aboard. Thai authorities launched an extensive investigation into the airline's safety protocols and the plane's mechanical condition. Findings pointed to navigational errors and inadequate weather data as contributing factors. The tragedy prompted improvements in regional flight safety measures and pilot training programs. Flight 125 remains one of the worst aviation incidents in Thai history.
1990
Bangkok Airways Flight 125
Samui Airport
1992day.year
A major tornado strikes the Houston, Texas area during the afternoon. Over the next two days the largest tornado outbreak ever to occur in the US during November spawns over 100 tornadoes.
A tornado outbreak in Texas spawns over 100 tornadoes, marking the largest November outbreak in U.S. history.
On November 21, 1992, a powerful tornado struck the Houston, Texas area, marking the start of an unprecedented tornado outbreak. Over the following two days, more than 100 tornadoes touched down across the southern United States. The storms destroyed homes, damaged infrastructure, and caused widespread power outages. While the majority of Texas bore the brunt of the outbreak, severe weather also impacted neighboring states. Emergency services and weather agencies scrambled to issue timely warnings and coordinate rescue efforts. The event became the largest tornado outbreak ever recorded in the U.S. during the month of November. It prompted a reassessment of severe weather preparedness and warning systems nationwide.
1992
tornado
Houston
Texas
tornado outbreak
1996day.year
Humberto Vidal explosion: Thirty-three people die when a Humberto Vidal shoe shop in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico explodes.
An explosion at a shoe shop in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico kills 33 people.
On November 21, 1996, a powerful explosion ripped through the Humberto Vidal shoe shop in the Río Piedras district of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The blast occurred without warning, causing the building to collapse and trapping customers and staff inside. Thirty-three people lost their lives, and dozens more were injured in the devastation. Authorities launched a criminal investigation to determine the cause of the explosion, considering possible gas leaks or criminal foul play. In the aftermath, local building codes and safety inspections were tightened across the island. The tragedy remains one of Puerto Rico's deadliest peacetime disasters. Memorials to the victims stand as a reminder of the importance of rigorous safety standards.
1996
Humberto Vidal explosion
Río Piedras, Puerto Rico
2004day.year
Dominica is hit by the most destructive earthquake in its history. The northern half of the island sustains the most damage, especially the town of Portsmouth. In neighboring Guadeloupe, one person is killed.
A powerful earthquake struck Dominica in 2004, becoming the island’s most destructive tremor and causing significant damage in Portsmouth and nearby Guadeloupe.
On November 21, 2004, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake hit northern Dominica, marking the deadliest in the island’s history.
The quake caused widespread destruction in the town of Portsmouth, damaging homes, roads, and infrastructure.
Neighboring Guadeloupe also felt the tremors, where one fatality was reported due to collapsing structures.
Rescue teams and international aid agencies responded to assist with relief efforts and rebuild communities.
The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of small Caribbean islands to seismic events and the importance of preparedness.
Recovery efforts focused on strengthening buildings and updating emergency response plans across the region.
Dominica
earthquake
Portsmouth
Guadeloupe
2004day.year
China Eastern Airlines Flight 5210 crashes after takeoff from Baotou Donghe Airport, killing 55.
China Eastern Airlines Flight 5210 crashed shortly after takeoff from Baotou Donghe Airport in 2004, killing all 55 people on board.
On November 21, 2004, Flight 5210, a regional Xian Y-7 aircraft, departed Baotou Donghe Airport in Inner Mongolia.
Moments after takeoff, the plane crashed into nearby terrain, breaking apart on impact.
All 53 passengers and 2 crew members were tragically killed in the accident.
Investigators pointed to ice accumulation on the wings and potential pilot error as contributing factors.
The disaster led to stricter de-icing procedures and safety protocol reviews across Chinese airlines.
It remains one of China’s worst aviation accidents in the early 21st century.
China Eastern Airlines Flight 5210
Baotou Donghe Airport
2009day.year
A mine explosion in Heilongjiang, China kills 108.
A mine explosion in Heilongjiang, China in 2009 killed over 100 workers, highlighting dangerous conditions in the mining industry.
On November 21, 2009, a methane gas explosion rocked a coal mine in Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China.
The blast devastated underground tunnels, trapping and killing 108 miners and injuring dozens more.
Rescue operations were hampered by hot gases and unstable mine shafts, delaying recovery efforts.
The incident drew attention to lax safety standards and the need for stricter enforcement.
China’s rapid industrial growth had been marred by frequent mining disasters with high fatality rates.
Following the accident, authorities launched inspections and vowed to improve working conditions.
2009
mine explosion in Heilongjiang, China
2013day.year
Fifty-four people are killed when the roof of a shopping center collapses in Riga, Latvia.
In 2013, the roof of a shopping center in Riga, Latvia collapsed, resulting in 54 fatalities and raising questions about building safety.
On November 21, 2013, heavy snowfall and structural weaknesses caused the roof of a suburban Riga shopping center to cave in.
Fifty-four people were killed and dozens more injured as people shopped and worked inside the mall.
Emergency crews rushed to the site, recovering survivors and treating the wounded amid freezing temperatures.
Investigations cited overloaded roofs and poor maintenance as contributing factors to the collapse.
The tragedy spurred nationwide safety audits of public buildings and stricter enforcement of construction codes.
Local communities mourned the victims and called for accountability to prevent future disasters.
2013
roof of a shopping center collapses
2014day.year
A stampede in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe caused by the police firing tear gas kills at least eleven people and injures 40 others.
A tragic stampede in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe, erupted after police discharged tear gas. The chaos resulted in at least eleven deaths and dozens of injuries.
On November 21, 2014, a police operation in Kwekwe went horribly awry when officers deployed tear gas to control a crowd. In the ensuing panic, attendees rushed toward narrow exits, causing a deadly crush. Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as people struggled to breathe and escape. Emergency responders arrived swiftly but faced immense challenges navigating the chaotic mass. At least eleven victims were confirmed dead, and more than forty suffered injuries ranging from crush trauma to tear gas inhalation. The tragedy sparked national outrage over crowd-control tactics and demands for safer policing methods. It prompted calls for reforms in public safety protocols across Zimbabwe.
2014
stampede in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe
tear gas
2021day.year
An SUV plows through a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, killing six and injuring 62.
An SUV plowed into a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, causing multiple fatalities and injuries. The shocking incident marred the city’s holiday festivities.
On November 21, 2021, a red SUV drove at high speed through the festive procession in downtown Waukesha, Wisconsin. The vehicle struck parade floats and onlookers alike, shattering the joyous holiday atmosphere. Six people, including marchers and spectators, lost their lives, and over sixty were injured. First responders and bystanders rushed to aid victims amid scenes of chaos and confusion. Law enforcement quickly apprehended the driver as the community reeled from the horror. Investigations concluded the act was deliberate, raising urgent questions about event security. In the following days, candlelight vigils and fundraisers brought residents together in solidarity and mourning. The tragedy prompted national conversations on preventing vehicular attacks at public gatherings.
2021
plows through a Christmas parade
Waukesha, Wisconsin
2022day.year
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake on the Indonesian island of Java kills between 335 and 602 people.
A powerful 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck Java, Indonesia, resulting in hundreds of deaths and widespread destruction. Entire communities were left grappling with the aftermath.
On November 21, 2022, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake rocked the island of Java, with its epicenter near Cianjur. The sudden tremor caused buildings, homes, and schools to collapse, trapping residents beneath the debris. Rescue teams and volunteers worked tirelessly through rubble and unstable structures to find survivors. Official reports placed the death toll between 335 and 602, with thousands more injured. The disaster exposed the region’s vulnerability to seismic hazards and raised calls for stricter building codes. Indonesian authorities mobilized relief efforts, setting up temporary shelters and distributing food, water, and medical supplies. International aid organizations also responded, sending equipment and expertise to support search and rescue. The quake underscored the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness in one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations.
2022
magnitude 5.6 earthquake