November 28

On November 28, 1908, an explosion ripped through the Locust Mine in Marianna, Pennsylvania, claiming the lives of 154 miners. A combination of poor ventilation and accumulated coal dust is believed to have triggered the blast. Rescue teams struggled against hazardous conditions, ultimately finding only one survivor. The disaster shocked the nation and prompted calls for improved mine safety regulations. In its aftermath, Pennsylvania strengthened oversight of mining operations and introduced measures to prevent similar catastrophes. The Marianna Mine disaster remains one of the deadliest mining accidents in American history and a stark reminder of the dangers faced by early 20th-century industrial workers.

The Cocoanut Grove, a popular Boston nightclub, was overcrowded on the night of the fire. Flammable decor and locked exits quickly turned the venue into a death trap as smoke and flames spread. First responders and patrons struggled amid dense smoke, while many found escape routes blocked. In the aftermath, 492 people perished, prompting national mourning and scrutiny of safety practices. The disaster led to sweeping reforms in fire codes, including improved exits, occupancy limits, and material standards. Its legacy influenced building regulations worldwide and heightened awareness of fire safety.

Flight 901 was a sightseeing expedition operated by a DC-10 over Antarctica. Due to a guided navigation error and whiteout weather conditions, the aircraft flew directly into Mount Erebus. All 257 people on board lost their lives in the world's deadliest air disaster in Antarctica. The remote location delayed search and recovery efforts, complicating the investigation. A Royal Commission later found both pilot error and flawed route coordinates contributed to the crash. The tragedy led to major changes in aviation safety protocols and navigational procedures. It remains a somber chapter in Antarctic exploration history.

Flight 295, a Boeing 747 Combi, departed from Taipei en route to Johannesburg with a stop in Mauritius. A cargo hold fire broke out mid-flight, overwhelming the crew's efforts to control it. The aircraft lost electrical power and communication before plunging into the sea off Mauritius. Search operations recovered debris but no survivors, and only limited wreckage. The investigation pointed to a fire in the cargo area as the primary cause, but controversy remains over the exact origin. The disaster led to stricter regulations on cargo fires and improved fire suppression systems. It stands as South African Airways' deadliest accident and a catalyst for aviation safety reforms.

LaMia Flight 2933 was carrying the Brazilian club Chapecoense to the Copa Sudamericana final when it went down on a mountainside outside Medellín. Investigations revealed that the aircraft suffered fuel exhaustion due to inadequate planning and reserves. Only six passengers survived the impact and subsequent fire. The tragedy prompted a global outpouring of grief and support, with rival clubs and fans paying tribute to the fallen team. The catastrophe led to calls for stricter regulations on charter flights and improved oversight by aviation authorities.