1946day.year
An earthquake in Nankaidō, Japan causes a tsunami which kills at least one thousand people and destroys 36,000 homes.
A devastating earthquake in the Nankaidō region of Japan triggered a tsunami that killed over a thousand people and destroyed thousands of homes.
On December 20, 1946, an offshore earthquake struck the Nankaidō coast of Japan, generating a powerful tsunami. Waves inundated coastal villages, sweeping away homes, boats, and farmland. At least one thousand lives were lost, and approximately 36,000 residences were destroyed or severely damaged. Rescue and recovery efforts were hampered by winter conditions and damaged infrastructure. The disaster prompted improvements in Japan’s seismic monitoring and tsunami warning systems. It remains one of the deadliest natural calamities in the nation’s postwar history.
An earthquake in Nankaidō, Japan
1952day.year
A United States Air Force C-124 crashes and burns in Moses Lake, Washington, killing 87 of the 115 people on board.
A United States Air Force C-124 transport plane crashed and burned in Moses Lake, Washington, killing 87 aboard.
On December 20, 1952, a USAF Douglas C-124 Globemaster II operating out of Larson Air Force Base crashed during a routine flight. The aircraft encountered severe weather conditions and difficulties on approach to Moses Lake Municipal Airport. The crash and subsequent fire resulted in 87 fatalities, leaving only 28 survivors. Investigators cited mechanical issues and pilot disorientation as likely factors. It was one of the deadliest accidents involving the massive cargo plane known for its heavy-lift capability. The tragedy led to reviews of flight safety protocols and aircraft maintenance procedures.
1952
United States Air Force
C-124
crashes
Moses Lake, Washington
1984day.year
The Summit Tunnel fire, one of the largest transportation tunnel fires in history, burns after a freight train carrying over one million liters of gasoline derails near the town of Todmorden, England, in the Pennines.
A derailed freight train in England ignited a massive gasoline fire inside the Summit Tunnel, becoming one of the worst tunnel disasters ever.
On December 20, 1984, a freight train hauling over one million liters of gasoline derailed as it entered Summit Tunnel near Todmorden in the Pennines.
The resulting blaze burned intensely within the confined tunnel space for days.
Smoke and toxic fumes forced nearby villages to be evacuated.
Firefighters battled the inferno with water and specialized foam, working around collapsed rails and heat.
The rail link between Manchester and Yorkshire was severed for weeks during cleanup and repairs.
Inquiries led to recommendations for stricter tunnel safety standards and hazardous cargo protocols.
1984
Summit Tunnel fire
freight train
gasoline
Todmorden
Pennines
1987day.year
In the worst peacetime sea disaster, the passenger ferry Doña Paz sinks after colliding with the oil tanker MT Vector in the Tablas Strait of the Philippines, killing an estimated 4,000 people (1,749 official).
In 1987, the ferry Doña Paz collided with the oil tanker MT Vector in the Tablas Strait, resulting in the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster with nearly 4,000 lives lost.
On December 20, 1987, the passenger ferry Doña Paz was making its routine voyage when it struck the MT Vector. The resulting fire spread rapidly through the overcrowded vessel. With insufficient life jackets and emergency protocols, evacuation descended into chaos. Official records account for 1,749 survivors, but actual casualties are estimated around 4,000. This tragedy highlighted severe safety lapses in maritime operations. It remains the worst peacetime sea disaster in history and led to stricter international shipping regulations.
1987
Doña Paz
MT Vector
Tablas Strait
Philippines
1995day.year
American Airlines Flight 965, a Boeing 757, crashes into a mountain 50 km north of Cali, Colombia, killing 159 of the 163 people on board.
In 1995, American Airlines Flight 965 crashed into a mountain near Cali, Colombia, resulting in 159 fatalities out of 163 on board.
On December 20, 1995, Flight 965, en route from Miami to Cali, deviated from its approved flight path amid poor weather and pilot confusion over navigation fixes. The Boeing 757 collided with mountainous terrain near Buga, Colombia, killing 159 passengers and crew. Investigations identified inadequate approach charts and ambiguous cockpit communications as contributing factors. The crash led to revisions in flight crew procedures, enhanced navigation aid standards, and improved training in crew resource management. It remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Colombian history and influenced global aviation safety practices.
American Airlines Flight 965
Boeing 757
Cali
Colombia