1608day.year
Fire destroys Jamestown, Virginia.
A catastrophic fire destroys key structures in the Jamestown colony, testing the resilience of its settlers.
During the night of January 7, 1608, a devastating fire swept through Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America.
Flames consumed wooden dwellings and supply stores, leaving many colonists homeless and supplies ruined.
Colonial leaders organized efforts to salvage materials and secure temporary shelter.
The blaze exposed the settlement’s vulnerability in a harsh and unfamiliar environment.
Despite the setback, the survivors rallied, rebuilding fortifications and homes from salvaged lumber.
Their determination to persevere laid the groundwork for Jamestown’s eventual survival and growth.
1608
Jamestown, Virginia
1867day.year
The Kingstree jail fire kills 22 freedmen in Reconstruction-era South Carolina.
A fire breaks out at the Kingstree jail in South Carolina, killing 22 freedmen during Reconstruction.
On January 7, 1867, a devastating blaze erupted inside the Kingstree jail in South Carolina, claiming the lives of 22 freedmen recently emancipated after the Civil War. The facility’s poor safety standards and lack of emergency preparedness exacerbated the tragedy. News of the deaths sparked outrage among Reconstruction advocates and highlighted systemic neglect of African American rights and welfare. Eyewitness reports described chaotic scenes as inmates struggled to escape the inferno. The incident underscored the dangerous conditions faced by freedmen and intensified calls for reforms. Local communities and organizations demanded greater accountability and improvements to detention facilities across the South.
1867
Kingstree jail fire
Reconstruction
South Carolina
1928day.year
A disastrous flood of the River Thames kills 14 people and causes extensive damage to much of riverside London.
A severe flood of the River Thames in London kills 14 people and causes widespread damage.
On January 7, 1928, heavy rainfall and a rapid thaw caused the River Thames to overflow its banks, inundating riverside communities across London. Floodwaters submerged streets, homes, and factories, trapping residents and disrupting transportation. Rescue crews used boats to evacuate people from flooded buildings as water levels continued to rise. The disaster claimed 14 lives and inflicted extensive property damage estimated in the millions of pounds. In its aftermath, authorities moved to strengthen flood defenses and improve early warning systems. The event highlighted London’s vulnerability to river flooding and spurred long-term infrastructure planning, ultimately leading to the construction of the Thames Barrier.
1928
flood of the River Thames
1948day.year
Kentucky Air National Guard pilot Thomas Mantell crashes while in pursuit of a supposed UFO.
Kentucky ANG pilot Thomas Mantell dies in a crash while pursuing what was reported as a UFO.
On January 7, 1948, Captain Thomas Mantell of the Kentucky Air National Guard took off to chase an unidentified flying object over Fort Knox.
At high altitude, Mantell likely lost consciousness due to cabin depressurization, and his P-51 Mustang stalled.
The aircraft crashed near Franklin, Kentucky, killing him instantly and ending his pioneering career.
The incident, known as the 'Mantell UFO Case,' sparked widespread public fascination with aerial phenomena.
The U.S. Air Force's Project Sign and later Project Blue Book investigated the event but offered inconclusive explanations.
This tragedy remains one of the most infamous early encounters in UFO lore.
1948
Kentucky Air National Guard
in pursuit of
UFO
1950day.year
In the Sverdlovsk air disaster, all 19 of those on board are killed, including almost the entire national ice hockey team (VVS Moscow) of the Soviet Air Force – 11 players, as well as a team doctor and a masseur.
A Soviet Air Force plane crashes near Sverdlovsk, killing 19, including nearly the entire VVS Moscow hockey team.
On January 7, 1950, a Lisunov Li-2 charter plane carrying the VVS Moscow ice hockey team crashed near Sverdlovsk.
All 19 people aboard, including 11 players, a coach, a doctor, and a masseur, perished in the frozen wilderness.
The VVS Moscow team was part of the Soviet Air Force's efforts to promote athletic excellence.
Their sudden loss devastated Soviet sports and led to national mourning across hockey communities.
Investigations cited severe weather, navigational errors, and possible ice buildup as contributing factors.
The disaster prompted improvements in flight safety protocols and emergency response strategies.
1950
Sverdlovsk air disaster
VVS Moscow
Soviet Air Force
1972day.year
Iberia Flight 602 crashes near Ibiza Airport, killing all 104 people on board.
Iberia Flight 602 crashes shortly after takeoff, killing all 104 passengers and crew near Ibiza Airport.
On January 7, 1972, a Sud Aviation SE 210 Caravelle operating as Iberia Flight 602 crashed on approach to Ibiza Airport.
All 104 people aboard, including passengers and crew, lost their lives in the tragic accident.
Investigations cited pilot error, navigational issues, and potentially adverse weather conditions as factors.
The disaster prompted a thorough safety review of airline procedures and air traffic controls in the Balearic region.
It remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Spanish history.
Subsequent improvements in flight instrumentation and crew training aimed to prevent similar tragedies.
1972
Iberia Flight 602
Ibiza Airport
1994day.year
A British Aerospace Jetstream 41 operating as United Express Flight 6291 crashes in Gahanna, Ohio, killing five of the eight people on board.
United Express Flight 6291 crashed in Gahanna, Ohio, killing five of eight onboard in 1994.
On January 7, 1994, a British Aerospace Jetstream 41 operating as United Express Flight 6291 approached Port Columbus International Airport when it crashed near Gahanna, Ohio. The aircraft encountered a sudden loss of control during descent in freezing rain. Of the eight people on board, five tragically lost their lives. NTSB investigators cited ice accumulation and pilot response among contributing factors. The accident prompted changes in de-icing procedures and crew training. United Express and regulatory agencies implemented safety improvements. The crash remains a cautionary case study in regional aviation safety.
1994
British Aerospace Jetstream 41
United Express Flight 6291
Gahanna, Ohio
2012day.year
A hot air balloon crashes near Carterton, New Zealand, killing all 11 people on board.
A scenic hot air balloon flight near Carterton ended in tragedy when the basket crashed, killing all 11 aboard.
On January 7, 2012, a commercial hot air balloon taking tourists over rural New Zealand encountered unexpected weather conditions.
The balloon descended rapidly and collided with farmland near Carterton before crashing into trees and power lines.
All 11 occupants, including the pilot and passengers, were killed in the impact.
It became the deadliest ballooning accident in New Zealand history.
Authorities cited high winds and possible pilot error in the preliminary investigation.
Safety regulations and flight planning procedures were subsequently reviewed to prevent similar incidents.
2012
hot air balloon
crashes
Carterton, New Zealand
2020day.year
The 6.4Mw 2019–20 Puerto Rico earthquakes kill four and injure nine in southern Puerto Rico.
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck southern Puerto Rico, causing fatalities, injuries, and widespread structural damage.
On January 7, 2020, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Puerto Rico near the town of Lajas.
It was the strongest in a series of tremors that began in December 2019, rattling homes and businesses across the island.
Four people lost their lives and nine were injured as buildings collapsed and roads cracked.
The quake damaged critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and power lines, leaving thousands without electricity.
The governor declared a state of emergency and mobilized the National Guard for search-and-rescue operations.
The event highlighted Puerto Rico’s vulnerability to seismic hazards and the ongoing challenges in its recovery from previous disasters.
Communities faced weeks of aftershocks while assessing and repairing damage.
2020
2019–20 Puerto Rico earthquakes
Puerto Rico
2025day.year
A series of wildfires ravage the Greater Los Angeles area, resulting in at least 16 deaths and 13,401 structures destroyed.
A series of wildfires swept across the Greater Los Angeles area, killing at least 16 people and destroying over 13,000 structures.
On January 7, 2025, a complex of wildfires ignited amid extreme drought and powerful Santa Ana winds in Southern California.
The blazes rapidly spread through residential suburbs and canyons, overwhelming evacuation efforts.
At least 16 residents perished and hundreds were injured as flames engulfed neighborhoods.
More than 13,401 buildings, including homes and businesses, were destroyed before firefighters contained the fire.
Evacuation orders displaced tens of thousands of people, while emergency shelters overflowed with evacuees.
The disaster prompted a statewide response, deploying thousands of firefighters and federal assistance.
Analysts cited climate change and urban development in fire-prone areas as contributing to the fire's severity.
Recovery efforts focused on rebuilding communities and addressing future fire resilience.
2025
wildfires
Greater Los Angeles