1840day.year
The steamship Lexington burns and sinks four miles off the coast of Long Island with the loss of 139 lives.
In 1840, the steamship Lexington catches fire and sinks off Long Island, resulting in 139 deaths.
In January 1840, the steamship Lexington departed New York City en route to New England.
A fire broke out aboard the wooden vessel in the early morning hours.
Passengers and crew scrambled toward lifeboats as flames spread rapidly.
The ship sank four miles off Long Island, killing 139 people in icy winter waters.
The disaster exposed critical safety flaws in early steamship design.
It prompted calls for stricter maritime regulations and better fire prevention measures.
1840
Lexington
Long Island
1908day.year
The Rhoads Opera House fire in Boyertown, Pennsylvania kills 171 people.
A tragic fire at the Rhoads Opera House in Pennsylvania claims 171 lives.
On January 13, 1908, a fire broke out during a packed performance at the wooden Rhoads Opera House in Boyertown, Pennsylvania. Flammable scenery and overcrowded seating allowed flames to spread rapidly. Exits were blocked or poorly marked, trapping many patrons inside. Firefighters and townspeople fought to rescue victims amid panic and smoke. The disaster resulted in 171 deaths, making it one of the deadliest theater fires in U.S. history. In its aftermath, new building codes and fire safety regulations were enacted nationwide to prevent similar tragedies.
1908
Rhoads Opera House fire
Boyertown, Pennsylvania
1915day.year
The 6.7 Mw Avezzano earthquake shakes the Province of L'Aquila in Italy with a maximum Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme), killing between 29,978 and 32,610.
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake devastates the Province of L'Aquila in Italy, killing nearly 30,000 people.
On January 13, 1915, a powerful 6.7 Mw earthquake struck the Province of L'Aquila in central Italy. The tremor reached a maximum Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme), flattening towns and villages across the Abruzzo region. Buildings collapsed in seconds, trapping residents under rubble as aftershocks continued. Casualty estimates range from 29,978 to 32,610, making it one of the deadliest European earthquakes of the early 20th century. Rescue operations were hindered by winter weather and limited resources. The rebuilding effort reshaped local architecture and prompted advances in seismic engineering and disaster preparedness.
1915
Avezzano earthquake
Province of L'Aquila
Mercalli intensity
1939day.year
The Black Friday bushfires burn 20,000 square kilometres (7,700 sq mi) of land in Australia, claiming the lives of 71 people.
Deadly bushfires known as Black Friday scorch Victoria, Australia, killing 71 people.
On January 13, 1939, a series of fast-moving bushfires swept through southeastern Victoria, Australia, during an extreme heatwave and prolonged drought. The fires consumed approximately 20,000 square kilometres of forest and farmland, destroying homes and infrastructure. Strong winds fanned the flames, making containment nearly impossible and forcing mass evacuations. A total of 71 people lost their lives and thousands of livestock perished. The disaster prompted the establishment of the Country Fire Authority and the implementation of modern wildfire management practices. Black Friday remains one of Australia’s most catastrophic wildfire events, shaping fire safety policies for decades to come.
1939
Black Friday bushfires
1950day.year
British submarine HMS Truculent collides with an oil tanker in the Thames Estuary, killing 64 men.
The submarine HMS Truculent collides with an oil tanker in the Thames Estuary, causing 64 deaths.
On January 13, 1950, the Royal Navy submarine HMS Truculent and an oil tanker collided in dense fog off the Thames Estuary. The impact ruptured the submarine’s hull, leading to a rapid flooding of its compartments. Despite rescue attempts by nearby vessels and crew efforts to save trapped sailors, 64 men perished beneath the cold, murky waters. The tragedy prompted reforms in naval navigation procedures and the installation of improved radar and sonar systems. An official inquiry led to new safety regulations for both military and commercial shipping. The sinking of HMS Truculent remains a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by submariners.
1950
HMS Truculent
Thames Estuary
1977day.year
Japan Air Lines Cargo Flight 1045, a Douglas DC-8 jet, crashes onto the runway during takeoff from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, killing five.
In 1977, JAL Cargo Flight 1045 crashed during takeoff at Anchorage Airport, killing five crew members.
On January 13, 1977, Japan Air Lines Cargo Flight 1045, a Douglas DC-8, crashed during its takeoff roll at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The crew encountered a sudden mechanical failure that caused the aircraft to veer off the runway. Unable to regain control, the jet slid into the airport perimeter and exploded on impact. Five of the six crew members on board were killed in the accident. The sole survivor was rescued but sustained serious injuries. Investigators attributed the tragedy to a combination of equipment malfunction and insufficient emergency response procedures. The crash led to improved safety protocols for cargo operations in extreme weather conditions. Aviation authorities revised maintenance checks, enhancing flight safety standards worldwide.
1977
Japan Air Lines Cargo Flight 1045
Douglas DC-8
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
1982day.year
Shortly after takeoff, Air Florida Flight 90, a Boeing 737 jet, crashes into Washington, D.C.'s 14th Street Bridge and falls into the Potomac River, killing 78 including four motorists.
On January 13, 1982, Air Florida Flight 90, a Boeing 737-222, crashed into Washington, D.C.'s 14th Street Bridge and plunged into the Potomac River during a heavy snowstorm, resulting in 78 fatalities.
On January 13, 1982, Air Florida Flight 90, a Boeing 737-222, attempted to depart from Washington National Airport amid severe winter weather. Icing on the wings caused a critical loss of lift shortly after takeoff. The aircraft struck the 14th Street Bridge, colliding with six vehicles and injuring motorists before plunging into the icy Potomac River. Local residents and rescue teams braved frigid temperatures to save survivors trapped in the wreckage. Ultimately, only five people survived, while 78 passengers, crew, and motorists lost their lives. The disaster prompted sweeping reforms in deicing procedures and cold-weather training for flight crews.
1982
Air Florida Flight 90
Boeing 737
Washington, D.C.
14th Street Bridge
Potomac River
1985day.year
A passenger train plunges into a ravine in Ethiopia, killing 428 in the worst railroad disaster in Africa.
A passenger train derailed and plunged into a ravine in Ethiopia, causing 428 deaths in Africa's deadliest rail accident.
On January 13, 1985, a crowded passenger train traveling northwest from Addis Ababa veered off its tracks and tumbled into a deep ravine. The remote mountainous terrain delayed rescue and medical assistance, leaving many victims trapped for hours. Cold temperatures and limited equipment compounded the suffering of survivors. Local villagers and emergency teams conducted a perilous recovery operation amid washed-out bridges and winding roads. The tragedy exposed serious deficiencies in rail maintenance and safety protocols across the Ethiopian network.
1985
plunges into a ravine
Ethiopia
2000day.year
A Short 360 aircraft chartered by the Sirte Oil Company crashes off the coast of Brega, Libya, killing 21.
A Short 360 aircraft chartered by Sirte Oil Company crashes into the Mediterranean off Brega, Libya, killing all 21 people on board.
On January 13, 2000, a Short 360 twin-engine turboprop aircraft chartered by the Sirte Oil Company crashed into the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Brega, Libya.
The flight was carrying company personnel and supplies when it encountered severe weather conditions near the shoreline.
Witnesses reported that the aircraft descended rapidly before impact.
All 21 passengers and crew were killed, marking one of the deadliest air accidents in Libyan civil aviation history.
The tragic event prompted a review of charter flight safety procedures in the region.
2000
Short 360
Sirte Oil Company
crashes
Brega
2001day.year
An earthquake hits El Salvador, killing more than 800.
A powerful earthquake strikes El Salvador, resulting in over 800 fatalities and widespread destruction.
On January 13, 2001, a devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of El Salvador, triggering landslides and collapsing structures.
The tremor caused severe damage in coastal towns and the capital, San Salvador, destroying homes, schools, and hospitals.
More than 800 people lost their lives, with thousands more injured and tens of thousands left homeless.
Emergency services and international aid organizations rushed to assist survivors amid disrupted communications and road networks.
The disaster highlighted the region's vulnerability to seismic events and led to improvements in building codes and emergency preparedness measures.
2001
earthquake
El Salvador
2012day.year
The passenger cruise ship Costa Concordia sinks off the coast of Italy due to the captain Francesco Schettino's negligence and irresponsibility. There are 32 confirmed deaths.
The cruise ship Costa Concordia runs aground and capsizes off the coast of Italy, causing 32 confirmed deaths.
On January 13, 2012, the Costa Concordia, a luxury cruise ship carrying over 4,200 passengers and crew, struck a submerged reef off Isola del Giglio, Italy.
The vessel developed a severe list and partially sank near the shoreline after the impact.
Captain Francesco Schettino's delayed evacuation order and navigation errors were widely criticized in the aftermath.
Rescue teams and nearby vessels worked through the night to evacuate survivors in rough sea conditions.
A total of 32 people perished, prompting international scrutiny of maritime safety regulations and emergency response protocols.
2012
cruise ship
Costa Concordia
sinks
Francesco Schettino