1820day.year
The Great Savannah Fire of 1820 destroys over 400 buildings in Savannah, Georgia.
In 1820, a devastating fire swept through Savannah, Georgia, destroying over 400 buildings and reshaping the historic city's waterfront.
The Great Savannah Fire ignited on January 11, 1820, and rapidly engulfed the downtown area of Savannah, Georgia. Over 400 structures, including homes, warehouses, and public buildings, were consumed by the flames. The fire left hundreds homeless and caused widespread economic disruption in the port city. Local citizens and nearby towns rallied to provide aid and rebuild the damaged neighborhoods. The disaster led to new building regulations and fire safety measures that shaped Savannah's future development. Today, the Great Savannah Fire remains a landmark event in the city's storied past.
1820
Great Savannah Fire of 1820
Savannah, Georgia
1914day.year
The Karluk, flagship of the Canadian Arctic Expedition, sinks after being crushed by ice.
On January 11, 1914, the schooner Karluk, flagship of Vilhjalmur Stefansson’s Canadian Arctic Expedition, was crushed by pack ice and sank.
The Karluk set out in 1913 as the main vessel for the Canadian Arctic Expedition led by Vilhjalmur Stefansson. On January 11, 1914, after becoming trapped in dense pack ice, the ship’s hull was breached and it foundered in the Arctic waters. The crew endured harsh conditions as they abandoned ship onto the ice floe, facing starvation, extreme cold, and polar bears. A daring rescue mission eventually saved several survivors, but 11 members of the expedition perished. The ordeal became a tale of survival and tragedy, highlighting the perils of polar exploration. The Karluk disaster underscored the unpredictable power of the Arctic environment and influenced future expedition planning.
1914
Karluk
Canadian Arctic Expedition
sinks after being crushed by ice
1917day.year
The Kingsland munitions factory explosion occurs as a result of sabotage.
In 1917, sabotage at the Kingsland munitions plant triggered a massive explosion, causing widespread destruction and raising security concerns during World War I.
On January 11, 1917, the Kingsland munitions plant in New Jersey suffered a catastrophic explosion attributed to sabotage efforts during World War I. The blast destroyed significant portions of the factory complex, rocked nearby communities, and raised alarm over homeland security. Though there were surprisingly few casualties due to the plant operating at reduced hours, the incident disrupted munitions production vital to the Allied war effort. Investigations uncovered evidence of covert operations intended to undermine American support for the war. The Kingsland explosion prompted tighter security measures at industrial sites across the United States. It remains a notable episode in the history of domestic espionage and wartime precautions.
1917
Kingsland munitions factory explosion
sabotage
1959day.year
36 people are killed when Lufthansa Flight 502 crashes on approach to Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport in Brazil.
Lufthansa Flight 502 crashed while approaching Rio de Janeiro/Galeão Airport in 1959, resulting in 36 fatalities.
On January 11, 1959, Lufthansa Flight 502, a Lockheed Constellation, encountered severe weather and navigational challenges during its descent into Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport. The aircraft struck mountainous terrain before reaching the runway, leading to the deaths of 36 passengers and crew. The tragedy highlighted the need for improved approach procedures and weather monitoring in the region. Rescue teams faced difficult terrain and conditions in their recovery efforts. Following the accident, aviation authorities implemented stricter safety protocols, enhancing navigational aids and pilot training for adverse weather operations.
1959
Lufthansa Flight 502
Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport
1962day.year
Cold War: While tied to its pier in Polyarny, the Soviet submarine B-37 is destroyed when fire breaks out in its torpedo compartment.
A fire in the torpedo compartment destroyed the Soviet submarine B-37 at its Polyarny dock in 1962.
During the height of the Cold War, the Soviet submarine B-37 was moored at the naval base in Polyarny when a fire erupted in its torpedo compartment on January 11, 1962. The blaze quickly spread, causing catastrophic explosions that tore through the vessel. Although dockside crews attempted firefighting efforts, the submarine was beyond salvage and sank at the pier. The incident underscored the dangers inherent in handling live torpedoes and led to revised safety protocols within the Soviet Navy. It also served as a stark reminder of the volatility of Cold War naval operations.
1962
Cold War
Polyarny
Soviet submarine B-37
1962day.year
An avalanche on Huascarán in Peru causes around 4,000 deaths.
A massive avalanche on Peru's Huascarán mountain in 1962 buried several towns and killed around 4,000 people.
On January 11, 1962, a catastrophic avalanche struck the north face of Mount Huascarán in the Ancash region of Peru. Triggered by an earthquake, the snow and ice cascade obliterated the towns of Yungay and Ranrahirca within seconds. The disaster claimed an estimated 4,000 lives, making it one of the deadliest avalanches in recorded history. Survivors recounted scenes of utter devastation as entire communities were buried under debris. The event prompted improvements in seismic monitoring and disaster preparedness in the Andean highlands. Today, memorials stand at the site to honor the victims of this tragic natural disaster.
Huascarán
Peru
1983day.year
United Airlines Flight 2885 crashes after takeoff from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, killing three.
United Airlines Flight 2885 crashed shortly after takeoff from Detroit in 1983, killing three crew members.
United Airlines Flight 2885, a Boeing 727 cargo flight, departed from Detroit Metropolitan Airport on January 11, 1983. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced an engine malfunction that led to loss of control and crash. All three crew members aboard were killed, and the wreckage was scattered near the runway perimeter. Accident investigators examined flight data and maintenance records to determine causes and prevent future incidents. The tragedy prompted improvements in cargo flight safety protocols, including stricter maintenance checks and revised emergency procedures for engine failures during critical flight phases.
1983
United Airlines Flight 2885
Detroit Metropolitan Airport
1995day.year
51 people are killed in a plane crash in María La Baja, Colombia.
A tragic plane crash near María La Baja, Colombia, resulted in 51 fatalities.
On January 11, 1995, a passenger aircraft crashed in the rural area of María La Baja in Colombia, claiming the lives of 51 people on board. The flight encountered severe weather conditions shortly before landing, leading to loss of control and impact in a swampy terrain. Rescue operations were hampered by difficult access and poor visibility, delaying medical assistance to survivors. The accident prompted a thorough investigation into aviation safety standards and weather forecasting procedures in the region. Authorities reviewed pilot training programs and aircraft maintenance protocols to prevent future tragedies. This crash remains one of Colombia's deadliest air disasters, underscoring the importance of stringent safety measures in aviation.
1995
plane crash
María La Baja
2020day.year
COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei: Municipal health officials in Wuhan announce the first recorded death from COVID-19.
Wuhan authorities record the first officially confirmed death from COVID-19 during the emerging pandemic.
On January 11, 2020, health officials in Wuhan, Hubei province, reported the first confirmed fatality linked to the novel coronavirus now known as COVID-19. The announcement marked a turning point in the emerging global health crisis, raising alarm about the virus's severity. The deceased was a 61-year-old man who had been treated for pneumonia-like symptoms. In the days that followed, officials worked to trace contacts and contain the outbreak, which would soon spread internationally. The event prompted the World Health Organization to monitor the situation closely and issue warnings. This early death underscored the pandemic's threat and initiated worldwide efforts for research, prevention, and response.
2020
COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei
Wuhan
COVID-19