1811day.year
A theater fire in Richmond, Virginia kills 72 people, including the Governor of Virginia George William Smith and the president of the First National Bank of Virginia Abraham B. Venable.
On December 26, 1811, a catastrophic fire at the Richmond Theatre claimed 72 lives, including the Virginia governor and a prominent banker.
On the evening of December 26, 1811, a devastating blaze swept through the Richmond Theatre in Virginia during a holiday performance. The sudden inferno trapped spectators as exits became blocked by panicked crowds. Among the 72 victims were Governor George William Smith of Virginia and Abraham B. Venable, president of the First National Bank of Virginia. The catastrophe prompted widespread public grief and scrutiny of building safety standards. In the aftermath, legislation was passed to improve fire exits and emergency protocols in public venues. The disaster remains one of the deadliest theatre fires in American history, reshaping fire safety regulations nationwide.
1811
theater fire
Richmond, Virginia
Governor of Virginia
George William Smith
Abraham B. Venable
1989day.year
United Express Flight 2415 crashes on approach to the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, Washington, killing all six people on board.
United Express Flight 2415 crashes while approaching Pasco’s Tri-Cities Airport, killing all six aboard.
On December 26, 1989, United Express Flight 2415 was on approach to Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, Washington, when it encountered severe winter weather.
The turboprop aircraft stalled and crashed into surrounding terrain short of the runway.
All six passengers and crew members aboard tragically lost their lives.
The National Transportation Safety Board investigated the accident and cited pilot decision-making in poor visibility conditions.
The findings highlighted the challenges of winter operations at smaller regional airports.
Subsequent safety recommendations led to improved approach procedures and enhanced pilot training for adverse weather landings.
1989
United Express Flight 2415
Tri-Cities Airport
Pasco, Washington
1999day.year
The storm Lothar sweeps across Central Europe, killing 137 and causing US$1.3 billion in damage.
Cyclone Lothar lashes Central Europe, killing 137 people and causing over $1.3 billion in damage.
Between December 25 and 27, 1999, Storm Lothar swept across Central Europe with devastating force.
Winds exceeding 150 km/h uprooted trees, damaged buildings, and disrupted power networks.
The storm resulted in 137 confirmed fatalities from fallen debris, floods, and structural collapses.
Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, compounding the destruction in France, Germany, and Switzerland.
Economic losses exceeded US$1.3 billion, affecting forestry, infrastructure, and transportation.
The disaster prompted improvements in early warning systems and forest management policies.
1999
Lothar
2003day.year
The 6.6 Mw Bam earthquake shakes southeastern Iran with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), leaving more than 26,000 dead and 30,000 injured.
A powerful 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck Bam, Iran, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life.
On December 26, 2003, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake devastated the city of Bam in southeastern Iran.
The quake reached a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), collapsing ancient structures and modern buildings alike.
More than 26,000 people lost their lives, while 30,000 were injured, overwhelming local hospitals and aid agencies.
The disaster destroyed much of the historic citadel and left tens of thousands homeless in the harsh desert winter.
International rescue teams and relief organizations rushed to the region, highlighting the challenges of coordinating aid in remote areas.
The tragedy prompted improvements in Iran's seismic building codes and disaster preparedness strategies.
2003
Bam earthquake
Iran
Mercalli intensity
2004day.year
The 9.1–9.3 Mw Indian Ocean earthquake shakes northern Sumatra with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). One of the largest observed tsunamis, it affected coastal and partially mainland areas of Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Indonesia; death toll is estimated at 227,898.
One of the deadliest earthquakes in history triggered devastating tsunamis across the Indian Ocean, killing over 227,000 people in multiple countries.
On December 26, 2004, a submarine earthquake measuring between 9.1 and 9.3 magnitude struck off northern Sumatra.
The tremor generated massive tsunamis that swept coastal regions of Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
With a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), the disaster ranks among the largest seismic events ever recorded.
Waves reached heights of over 30 meters in some areas, destroying villages, hotels, and ports within minutes.
The catastrophe claimed an estimated 227,898 lives and left millions homeless, sparking a global humanitarian response.
International relief efforts delivered food, shelter, and medical aid, while survivors faced long-term challenges of reconstruction and recovery.
2004
Indian Ocean earthquake
Sumatra
Mercalli intensity
tsunamis
Thailand
India
Sri Lanka
Maldives
Malaysia
Myanmar
Bangladesh
Indonesia
2006day.year
Two earthquakes in Hengchun, Taiwan measuring 7.0 and 6.9 on the moment magnitude scale kill two and disrupt telecommunications across Asia.
Twin earthquakes struck near Hengchun, Taiwan, causing fatalities and widespread telecommunications disruption across Asia.
On December 26, 2006, two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.0 and 6.9 Mw hit the Hengchun peninsula near Taiwan's southern tip.
The quakes were felt across Asia and briefly triggered tsunami warnings in the region.
Two people lost their lives, and numerous buildings sustained damage, highlighting Taiwan's seismic vulnerability.
Telecommunications networks and undersea cables were disrupted, affecting internet and phone services across multiple countries.
Authorities swiftly restored critical infrastructure, while scientists studied the event to improve earthquake monitoring systems.
The incident underscored the importance of regional cooperation in responding to natural disasters.
2006
Two earthquakes in Hengchun, Taiwan
moment magnitude scale
Asia
2015day.year
A violent EF-4 tornado hits Garland, Texas, killing nine and injuring almost 500 others.
A powerful EF-4 tornado devastated Garland, Texas, resulting in nine deaths and hundreds of injuries.
On December 26, 2015, an EF-4 tornado with winds up to 240 mph touched down in Garland, a suburb of Dallas, Texas.
The twister carved a destructive path over several miles, flattening homes, businesses, and a local church.
Nine people lost their lives, and nearly 500 were injured, overwhelming emergency services during the holiday season.
Rescue teams and volunteers worked through cold winter nights to locate survivors and provide shelter to displaced families.
The disaster prompted reviews of local warning systems, leading to improvements in early warning and public safety procedures.
Community fundraising and state aid helped rebuild the affected neighborhoods in the aftermath of the storm.
2015
A violent EF-4 tornado
Garland, Texas
2021day.year
Three people are killed when a 13-year-old opens fire on civilians at a Texaco convenience store in Garland, Texas.
A shooting at a Garland, Texas, convenience store by a 13-year-old resulted in three fatalities and shocked the community.
On December 26, 2021, a 13-year-old opened fire at a Texaco convenience store in Garland, Texas, killing three civilians.
The suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended by law enforcement, raising questions about juvenile crime and gun access.
Victims included local residents who had stopped at the store for snacks and fuel, turning a mundane visit into tragedy.
The incident reignited debates over gun control laws, background checks, and age restrictions in the United States.
Community vigils and fundraisers were organized to support victims' families and wounded survivors.
Lawmakers and educators emphasized the need for better mental health resources and community intervention programs.
2021
Three people are killed
Texaco