December 15

Early on December 15, 1836, flames broke out in the U.S. Patent Office, rapidly engulfing the building. All 9,957 granted patents and some 7,000 patent models were lost, erasing decades of technological innovation. Patent examiners and employees attempted to rescue records, but the ferocity of the fire made salvage impossible. The catastrophe highlighted vulnerabilities in document preservation and prompted Congress to require duplicate patents. Innovators such as Samuel Morse and Charles Goodyear saw irreplaceable plans vanish in minutes. Restoration of patent archives took years and spurred improvements in building safety and archival systems. The disaster remains one of the most significant losses of intellectual property in U.S. history.

On December 15, 1914, a catastrophic gas explosion ripped through the Mitsubishi Hōjō coal mine on Kyushu Island, Japan. The blast occurred deep within the mine’s shafts, trapping hundreds of miners underground. Rescue operations faced hazardous conditions as toxic gas and debris impeded progress. Ultimately, 687 workers perished, making it one of Japan’s worst mining disasters. The tragedy exposed inadequate safety measures in early 20th-century mines and sparked public outcry. In its aftermath, authorities implemented stricter regulations and improved ventilation standards, preventing future catastrophes.

On December 15, 1944, Major Glenn Miller, famed big band leader serving in the US Army Air Forces, boarded a UC-64A Norseman for a flight to Paris to perform for American troops. Shortly after taking off from RAF Twinwood Farm, the plane vanished over the English Channel. Despite extensive search efforts, no wreckage or survivors were located. The disappearance remains one of World War II's enduring mysteries, with theories ranging from mechanical failure to severe weather. Miller's loss was deeply mourned by both the military and the public, as his music symbolized hope during the conflict.

On December 15, 1997, Tajikistan Airlines Flight 3183 crashed into the desert near Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. The aircraft, a Tupolev Tu-154, was on approach when it descended prematurely and impacted the ground. All 85 passengers and crew aboard were killed, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in the region. Investigations pointed to factors such as poor weather conditions, miscommunication with air traffic control, and potential pilot error. The tragedy prompted a review of safety procedures and navigational aids at Sharjah Airport. Airlines operating in the area subsequently improved training and adopted stricter approach protocols. The crash remains a somber reminder of the critical importance of aviation safety.

On December 15, 2010, a vessel carrying asylum seekers attempting to reach Australia sank after striking rocks near Christmas Island. Of the 90 people on board, 48 lost their lives, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters involving refugees in the region. The survivors faced harsh conditions on the remote island before being rescued by Australian and Indonesian authorities. This tragedy highlighted the dangers refugees face during perilous sea journeys and sparked debates over Australia’s border protection policies. Subsequent inquiries called for better search-and-rescue coordination and safer migration pathways. The incident remains a stark reminder of the humanitarian crisis at sea.

On December 15, 2017, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake rocked the city of Tasikmalaya on Indonesia's Java island, causing widespread panic and damage. The tremor struck in the early morning hours, toppling walls and cracking roads throughout the region. Four residents lost their lives, and dozens suffered injuries as buildings collapsed. Emergency response teams and local volunteers rushed to search for survivors amid aftershocks. Many families were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in makeshift shelters. Relief efforts by government agencies and aid organizations provided food, medical care, and temporary housing. The disaster highlighted the region's vulnerability along the Pacific Ring of Fire and prompted reviews of building codes and preparedness plans. Long-term recovery efforts focused on strengthening infrastructure and community resilience.