On this date: 1994 - Air Disaster

On this date in 1994, USAir Flight 1016, an MD DC-9-31, carrying five crew and 52 passengers crashed on approach to Charlotte-Douglas Airport, North Carolina.  The aircraft, powered by two Pratt & Whitnet JT8D-7B engines, departed Columbia Metropolitan Airport in South Carolina on schedule for a 35 minute flight. On approach to Charlotte, two severe weather cells formed in the area of the airport resulting in a number of course corrections initiated by both the control tower and pilots.

Source: http://goo.gl/cM64M

Having flown into severe weather, the aircraft encountered severe winds. The cockpit crew decided to abort the approach and do a go-around. Shortly after the aborted approach, a wind shear associated with a microburst occurred causing the aircraft to strike the ground. The investigation determined that the aircraft failed to maintain proper attitude and thrust for an aborted flight and that there were inadequate wind shear warnings from the tower. The crash resulted 37 fatalities passenger fatalities and no crew fatalities.

Sources
http://goo.gl/oHycN

--

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On this date: 1864 - Canadian Rail Disaster

On this date in 1864, a rail disaster claimed the lives of 99 people in Mont. St. Hilaire, QC, Canada.  The incident known as the Grand Trunk Railway Disaster occurred at approximately 1:00 am when a train carrying between 350 and 475 passengers, operating between Montreal and Levis failed to yield to a red signal. The train entered a bridge which had been raised to allow river traffic to pass.  The engine and 11 coaches fell into the river crushing a barge. The train settled in 10 feet of water.

Source: http://goo.gl/hhYF3

Sources
http://goo.gl/cXTk0
http://goo.gl/SGJkm

--

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On this day: 1955 - Motorsport Disaster

On this day in disaster history, 83 were killed and more than 100 were injured at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in  Le Mans, France. On June 11, 1955, ~250,000 spectators lined the nine (9) mile route where cars reached or exceeded speeds of ~190 miles per hour. A collision of a number of race cars said to be traveling ~150 MPH occurred sending debris into the crowd as the cars disintegrated. A fire ensued fed by both fuel and magnesium alloy. The fire was exacerbated when water was applied causing the magnesium fire to increase. 

 Source: http://goo.gl/e5UTY

The accident was captured on an incredible video in which the collision as well as elements of the response can be seen. The race continued during and after the accident reportedly to contain the crowd in an effort to avoid blocking access for emergency vehicles. 

Sources
http://goo.gl/e5UTY
http://goo.gl/i4xLr

--

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On this date: 1990 - Unusual Aviation Incident

On this date in 1990, the captain of British Airways Flight 5390 was partially sucked out of the aircraft when the windshield of the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) One-Eleven 528FL blew out  as the aircraft was climbing through ~17,000 feet while en route to Málaga, Spain out of Birmingham, England. The aircraft was carrying 87 passengers and crew. The wind shield had been replaced after the prior flight however the securing bolts failed under the cabin pressure. 

Capt. Tim Lancaster and his crew - Source: http://goo.gl/hXQot

Coming to rest on the nose cone, Captain Tim Lancaster, severely injured, was restrained by crew members who held on to his ankles until the first officer landed aircraft ~15 minutes later. The captain and crew members who rescued him suffered frost bite, and various traumatic injuries. Captain Lancaster returned to service, retired from British Airways, and was flying for EastJet as of 2005. 

The shift manager of the maintenance facility was held accountable for failure to use proper and standard practices in installing the new wind shield. 

Sources
http://goo.gl/A0v7n
http://goo.gl/K5zz8

--

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On this date: 1995 - Aircraft Crash

On this date in Disaster History, Ansett New Zealand Flight 703 crashed in the area of the Tararua Mountain Range approximately 10 miles east of Palmerston North, its destination airport. The aircraft was a de Havviland Canada DHC-8-102, commonly known as a Dash-8, which was powered by two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW120A turboprop engines. The aircraft was carrying a total of 21 occupants which included three (3) crew and 18 passengers. One (1) crew member and three (3) passengers were killed.

Source: http://goo.gl/FRKrS

The cause of the crash is a bit complicated. In short, while on approach to Palmerston North, the crew received a landing gear malfunction indicator. The captain and first officer engaged in conversation regarding the gear failure situation, a gear failure check list, and the use of the alternate (hydraulic) gear mechanism to lower the gear. At some point during the exchange the aircraft collided with the slope of a low range of hills. While the collision alarm sounded, accident occurred a mere five (5) seconds later. One report suggest that there nay have been an altimeter malfunction. Pilot distraction with the landing gear problem may also have been a contributing factor. 

Sources
http://goo.gl/yQ3rR
http://goo.gl/MFqVK

--

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On this day: 2002 - Asteroid Explosion

On this day in 2002, an asteroid entered the earth's atmosphere and exploded over the Mediterranean Sea near the nations of Greece and Lybia.  The event is known as the Eastern Mediterranean Event. The object, said to be ~10 meters in diameter, exploded in mid-air with the explosive equivalent of 26 kilotons of TNT which is similar to a small nuclear weapon. The object approached and entered the atmosphere undetected. The object completely disintegrated therefore no debris was recovered and no crater was formed as it exploded above the surface. There were no apparent injuries, social impact, or impact in critical infrastructure. 

Note: Limited information is available on this event. Comments and input are greatly encouraged.

Sources
http://goo.gl/S5Hrv
http://goo.gl/xvruc

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On this date: 1967 - Aviation Disaster

On this date in 1967, a British Midland flight, carrying 84, crashed on approach to Manchester Airport in the United Kingdom. The aircraft, a Canadair C-4 Argonaut propeller driven aircraft, reportedly crashed due to an engine failure (another source indicates that the aircraft ran out of fuel). While there were no injuries or fatalities on the ground, the 12 survivors are said to have suffered critical injuries. The crash is also said to have been very traumatic for emergency responders who were confronted with victims who were trapped, still alive, and dying in the wreckage. A news video of the accident captures the incident scene including the damage which occurred to the community in which the accident occurred.   

Source: http://goo.gl/xu6CA

A book on this incident, entitled "The Day the Sky Fell Down: Story of the Stockport Air Disaster", was authored by Steve Morrin who is said to have made great attempts to recognize the efforts of emergency service personnel.


Sources
http://goo.gl/x0b1B
http://goo.gl/wYbGQ

--

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On this day: 1973 - Ship Collision/Fire NY Harbor

On this day in 1973, two merchant vessels collided in New York Harbor. Vessel one was the SS CV Sea Witch, a 610 foot long container vessel with a reinforced ice bow, loaded with 730 containers. The Sea Witch put to sea from Howland Hook Terminal in Staten Island, NY. Vessel two was the SS Esso Brussels, a 698 foot oil tanker which was anchored in the part of New York Harbor known as the Narrows (between Brooklyn and Staten Island), just north of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.  Headed for a refinery in Bayway, NJ, the Brussels was fully loaded with ~320,000 barrels of light Nigerian crude.

At approximately 00:30 hours the Sea Witch, under the command of the Harbor Pilot, was traveling at the authorized harbor speed of almost 14 knots. Passing through the Narrows, the pilot ordered a number of routine course corrections. A routine turn failed to occur as a result of a mechanical failure of the ship's steering mechanism. The crew of the Sea Witch sounded the whistle which was heard by the crew of the Brussels as the Sea Witch headed directly for her on a collision course. The general alarm was sounded on the Brussels but within minutes the container vessel, with engines in full reverse but still traveling at ~13 knots, collided with the tanker on the starboard side between the midships and aft deck area. The collision resulted in the penetration of a number of oil tanks. Within minutes both ships were interlocked and aflame. The flames were of a height and intensity to scorch the bottom of the bridge but because the anchor had given way on the Brussels, both ships passed under the bridge fast enough to avoid any permanent damage. The ships continued their path until coming to rest in Gravesend Bay, an area of the harbor between Bensonhurst and Coney Island, Brooklyn.

 View from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, most likely Shore Road or Owls Head 

View from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Belt Parkway Bicycle Path - AP Photo via goo.gl/Wd6Po

The FDNY Fireboat The Fire Fighter was on the scene quickly having responded from it's station in Staten Island and was soon joined by three other FDNY Marine Companies and the United Stated Coast Guard. Firefighters aboard The Fire Fighter reported a 3,000 foot sea of flame. The crew of The Fire Fighter (retired in 2010) is credited with making a number of rescues and suppressing the fire. Employing all deck guns the Fire Fighter was able to disperse flames for a period long enough to allow ~30 people to be safely rescued. Fire suppression operations continued until June 14. Two crew of the Sea Witch were killed. Tug boats and other craft successfully rescued many of the Brussels crew however 13 were lost and never recovered.

Note: Some accounts have this event occurring on May 30, 1973. Having lived nearby I recall this incident occurring on a weekend night.  If the incident occurred on June 2, as I believe is the proper date, it occurred Saturday morning, just after midnight.

Sources:

http://goo.gl/Wd6Po

http://goo.gl/Hh36I

--

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On this day: 1985 - Multi-Regional Tornado Disaster

On this day in 1985 a massive international, multi-regional tornado outbreak occurred wreaking havoc in both the United States and Canada. Forty-one (41) tornadoes struck northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania. and southern Ontario resulting in 76 fatalities. Among the storms were an F5  tornado and six F4 tornadoes. The F5 tornado struck Trumbull County, Ohio. An F4 tornado, considered the worst of this event, touched down in the area of Jamestown, Pennsylvania. It traveled 56 miles killing 23 and destroying hundreds of homes and other properties.

Photos: http://goo.gl/3HybW

Sources
http://goo.gl/3VQqm
http://goo.gl/3HybW
http://goo.gl/gx1PE
http://goo.gl/RIlQV

--
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On this day: 1985 - Stadium Collapse

On this day in 1985 a civil disturbance led to the partial collapse of the Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium resulting in 39 fatalities and 600 casualties. The stadium was host to the European Cup Final football game between rival teams from the United Kingdom and Italy. Rioting broke out and fans breached a barrier resulted in a scenario where a mass of individuals were crushed against a wall. The wall ultimately failed and collapsed. The incident was capture on video. After the disaster there were claims of insufficient crowd control measures. The stadium was criticized for being an unsuitable venue for a sports event of this magnitude.  

Source http://goo.gl/0PmVI

Sources
http://goo.gl/rdgdU
http://goo.gl/ya1wm

--

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On this day: 1896 - F4 Tornado

On this day in 1896 a major tornado struck St. Louis, Missouri. The tornado, part of a supercell system, touched down in central St. Louis destroying property over a long track which included most of the built infrastructure in its path such as homes, saloons, schools, churches and a rail yard among others. The tornado crossed the Mississippi River where it intensified, continuing into East St. Louis, Illinois where it left a path of similar destruction. In later years the tornado was rated as an F4 on the Fujita Scale. Damage was estimated at ~$10 Million in 1896 dollars. The death toll in St. Louis, MO was 137. In East St. Louis, IL the storm resulted in 118 fatalities. The combined casualty count was ~1,000 for both cities.  

Source: http://goo.gl/cPiMf

Death Toll
137 - St. Louis, MO
118 - E. St. Louis, IL

Sources
http://goo.gl/sq5NV
http://goo.gl/W2whT

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On this day: 1962 - In Flight Bombing

On this day in 1962, Continental Flight 11, a Boeing 707 traveling from Chicago to Kansas City with 37 passengers and eight crew, crashed near Unionville, MO. While in flight an explosive decompression occurred secondary to the detonation of a dynamite based IED in a rear lavatory. Shortly after the explosion the tail section separated causing the aircraft to descend uncontrollably. All 45 souls were killed. The FBI determined that the bomb was placed by an individual hoping to provide a newly upgraded life insurance pay-out to his family. The mid air explosion was witnessed by people on the ground as well as the commander of a US Air Force B-47 Stratojet Bomber traveling out of Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas. The subplot for the 1968 novel "Airport", which was produced as a movie by the same name in 1970, was somewhat based on this incident. 

Source http://goo.gl/Uz4si

Sources
http://goo.gl/SjJTM
http://goo.gl/Lfnki

--

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On this day: 1965 - Aircraft Crash

On this day in 1965 Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Flight 705, a four engine Boeing 720, crashed on approach to Cairo International Airport. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 13 crew members and 108 passengers. Six passengers survived. Twenty-two journalists were among the fatalities. PIA was formed in 1947 and experienced a series of fatal and non-fatal crashes during it's period of operation including two in 1948, one in 1949, and then this accident in 1965. This accident is said to be the worst accident involving a B.720 aircraft in its operating history. The B.720 was developed an outgrowth of the B.707 as a narrow body short- to medium range aircraft.

Source: http://goo.gl/HjsR7

Boeing 720 Narrow Body Short- to Medium Range Aircraft Circa 1970 Source: http://goo.gl/iPLBd

Sources
http://goo.gl/Xwc79
http://goo.gl/HjsR7

--

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On this day: 1919 - Volcano

On this day in Disaster History, the Mount Kelut Volcano in Indonesia erupted resulting in over 5,000 fatalities from a resulting lava flood which overtook more than 100 villages. The volcano was of the type that existed below the surface of what appeared to be a crater. Mount Kelut is periodically active having erupted again in 1990 and then again in 2007. Today ~350,000 people reside within six (6) miles of the volcano.

Mt Kelut Source http://goo.gl/d0wFR

Sources
http://goo.gl/TEQi7
http://goo.gl/Y3RsP

--

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On this day: 1980 - Mount St. Helens

On this day in 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in the State of Washington. The event began as a 5.1 magnitude earthquake which caused the collapse of the north facing wall of the mountain which resulted in an avalanche and subsequent explosion of pressurized volcanic gasses. The incident resulted in 57 fatalities attributed to asphyxiation, burns, and trauma. In the wake of the volcano approximately 150 square miles of forest was destroyed. 

Source: http://goo.gl/GqZD8

Sources
http://goo.gl/Nc9A7
http://goo.gl/CpTWX

--

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On this day: 1974 Car Bombings

On this day in 1974, a paramilitary loyalist group in Northern Ireland known as the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), detonated a number of Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (Car Bombs) in the cities of Dublin and Monaghan. The attacks resulted in ~33 fatalities and ~258 casualties. The goal of the UVF was to maintain Northern Ireland's union with Great Britain. 

Source: http://goo.gl/8EA9M

Sources
http://goo.gl/X0pf1
http://goo.gl/P4ciS

--

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On this day: 1874 - Flood Disaster

On this day in 1874, a dam burst in Mill River, Massachusetts resulting in the release of the Williamsburg Reservoir. The ensuing catastrophic flood destroyed four downstream villages resulted in 139 fatalities. This incident is said to be the first major dam disaster in the United States and one of the most significant technological disasters of 19th century America. The break was attributed to faulty construction. In the aftermath of the flood, Massachusetts and other northeast states passed dam safety laws.

Source: UMass http://goo.gl/I6TGX

                                                      

Source: Wood Museum of Springfield History via Disasters in  the Valley http://goo.gl/EOKLM

Sources
Disasters in the Valley - http://goo.gl/EPuHK
UMass - http://goo.gl/f2Lak

--

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On this day: 1974 - Terrorist Attack

On this day in 1974 a terrorist attack known as the Ma'alot Massacre occurred in the Israeli city of Ma'alot, located seven miles from the Israel/Lebanon border. Approximately 100 teenagers were at school when it was overtaken by by Palestinian terrorists. The incident resulted in a 12 hour hostage situation which led to the deaths of between 16 and 26 teenagers (sources vary) and 64 casualties when terrorists attacked the hostages with firearms and hand grenades during a rescue operation by Israeli commandos. At least 15 adults and children successfully escaped.

            A victim of the Ma'alot attack is being rescued after a grenade lands next to her. (Courtesy Their Eyes Were Dry) 
            http://goo.gl/cwuKl

Sources
http://goo.gl/cwuKl
http://goo.gl/Y2fuL

--

Steven Kuhr

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On this day: 1970 - RAF Terrorist Group Formed

On this day in 1970, the Red Army Faction, commonly known as the Baader-Meinhof Gang or Baader-Meinhof Faction (RAF), was formed by Andreas Baader, Gudrun Ensslin, Horst Mahler, and Ulrike Meinhof. The group was a communist left-wing militant organization whose goals were the opposition of fascist regimes, the end of the Vietnam War, and for West Germany to acknowledge earlier German Nazism. Using bombs as its main weapon, the RAF is said to be responsible for 34 deaths and numerous casualties during nearly 30 years of operation. 

The RAF, like the Weather Underground (AKA Weathermen) in the United States, are representative of left wing politically based terrorist organizations of the cold-war era which espoused Marxist-Leninist philosophies. Groups such as the RAF were structured and hierarchical in character as opposed to today's decentralized global ensemble of actors and franchise groups centered around al-Qaeda philosophy.  

                                    Aftermath of the 1981 RAF bombing of U.S. Air Forces Europe headquarters at 
                                                 Ramstein Air Base, Germany - Source: http://goo.gl/BXuRC

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On this day: 1980 - Tornado

On this day in 1980 at approximately 4:00 pm an F3 tornado struck Kalmazoo, Michigan resulting in five deaths and approximately 80 casualties. About 1200 people were displaced from their homes. The funnel traveled 11 miles leaving $50 million of damage and destruction it's wake. The tornado was captured on video by owners of an electronics store. Interestingly, 328 students were sent home from an elementary school about an hour before the tornado destroyed their school. The meteorological science associated with this storm can be found in the NOAA report for this event.

                                                   Source: http://goo.gl/9MJmo

                                               

                                                                          Trajectory of the funnel

                                                                   Source: http://goo.gl/9MJmo

Sources

http://goo.gl/jH218

http://goo.gl/9MJmo

http://goo.gl/LIrcJ

http://goo.gl/AqBqc

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On this day: 2008 - Earthquake

On this day on 2008 an 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck Sichuan China. The earthquake, said to be the worst in China in 30 years, resulted in over 4 million casualties and between 69,000 and 80,000 fatalities. Among the dead were thousands of children who were attending school at the time. Controversy surrounding construction practices for schools ensued in the aftermath of the earthquake. The earthquake is said to have produced approximately 2000 aftershocks, the largest of which was recorded at 6.1 magnitude.

                                                 Source: foreigners-in-china.com
                       

2008 – An earthquake (measuring around 8.0 magnitude) occurs in Sichuan, China, killing over 69,000 people.

Sources
http://goo.gl/E2ysU
http://goo.gl/XB2Ox
http://goo.gl/0UI5l
http://goo.gl/482MJ

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On this day: 1996 Air Crash

On this day in disaster history, ValuJet Flight 592 departed from Miami International Airport (MIA), en route to Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport (ATL), carrying many passengers traveling for Mother's Day. The aircraft, a McDonnell-Douglass DC-9-32, powered by two Pratt and Whitney JT8D-9A engines, showing 105 passengers and five crew members on its manifest, crashed shortly after departure in the Florida Everglades killing all souls on board. Shortly after departure the crew contacted departure control and reported an electrical problem and the "loss of everything". Shouts were heard in the background stating that there was smoke and fire in the cabin. During the investigation, while examining the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), a flight attendant was recorded as saying "completely on fire".  The crash was attributed to a fire whichb began in the cargo hold when one or more improperly labelled and improperly stored oxygen generators activated. ValuJet emerged after the accident as AirTran which was acquired by Southwest Airlines in 2011.

                                            Phote: dailypress.com http://goo.gl/x88Mc

Sources
http://goo.gl/rTVF6
http://goo.gl/mVb8p
http://goo.gl/7cGzU
http://goo.gl/G7UzX

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On this day: 1905 - Tornado

On this day in 1905, the US Territory of Oklahoma was struck by a powerful tornado resulting catastrophic destruction and close to 100 deaths in the Town of Snyder. This tornado was a part of a greater tornado event to strike the Plains in and around the days preceding and following May 10th. Scientific records of the day are limited, however NOAA was able to perform a forensic analysis which indicates that this system began as a low pressure system over the Rocky Mountains and subsequently traveled northeast resulting in a low over the plains. This system was responsible for a number of tornado events including one on South Dakota on May 9, 1905. For those interested in the full science please see "The Snyder, Oklahoma Tornado of 10 May 1905" issued by NOAA. Initial reports by wire services suggested that over 400 were killed. In response to this disaster the area railroad sent a relief train with medical personnel and supplies to aid the rescue and recovery efforts.

                                                 Photo: NOAA http://goo.gl/V5xgq

Sources
http://goo.gl/jhpCF
http://goo.gl/GSRoS
http://goo.gl/vIx8g


Steven Kuhr
Disaster History
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On this day: 2001 - Stadium Disaster

On this day in 2001 a disaster known as the Accra Sports Stadium Disaster occurred in Ghana, Africa resulting in the deaths of 126 people (some sources claim 127 deaths). The defeat of popular football team resulted in a civil disturbance which led to police using tear gas. Panic and a stampede  ensued which caused "compressive asphyxia" essentially crushing a large number of attendees.

Steven Kuhr
Disaster History
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Sources
http://goo.gl/MEoyD
http://goo.gl/Jf3X2
http://goo.gl/BXwwD

Welcome to Disaster History, a Blog by Steven Kuhr

Welcome to Disaster History a blog by Steven Kuhr. In researching the history of disasters, it became apparent very quickly that disasters in the United States and around the world is both tragic and fascinating. From time to time we will briefly explore disasters by date of occurrence or based on special interest or unusual circumstances.  I encourage and seek input from followers and fellow emergency managers.

Also see Emergency Management Nexus at skuhr.blogspot.com.

Steven Kuhr
Disaster History
disasterhx.blogspot.com