1362day.year
Saint Marcellus's flood kills at least 25,000 people on the shores of the North Sea.
The Saint Marcellus flood of 1362 unleashed powerful storm tides on the North Sea coast, claiming at least 25,000 lives.
On January 16, 1362, a catastrophic storm surge known as Saint Marcellus’s flood battered the coasts of the North Sea.
Violent winds and high tides breached dikes and inundated towns and farmland across present-day Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
Contemporary chronicles estimate at least 25,000 fatalities from drowning, disease, and the loss of shelter.
The deluge reshaped the coastline, creating new waterways and submerging entire settlements.
Survivors faced shortages of food and resources as fields lay under saltwater, devastating agriculture.
The disaster spurred improvements in medieval flood defenses and coastal management techniques.
1362
Saint Marcellus's flood
North Sea
1862day.year
Hartley Colliery disaster: Two hundred and four men and boys killed in a mining disaster, prompting a change in UK law which henceforth required all collieries to have at least two independent means of escape.
In 1862, a catastrophic collapse at the Hartley Colliery in Northumberland claimed the lives of 204 miners and led to a landmark safety law requiring two separate shafts in British coal mines.
On January 16, 1862, the only access shaft at the Hartley Colliery in Northumberland, England, collapsed, trapping 204 men and boys underground. Rescue efforts were hindered by falling debris and flooding, and all the trapped miners perished. The disaster ignited national outrage over mine safety standards. In response, the UK Parliament passed the Colliery Act 1862, mandating that all collieries have at least two independent means of escape. This legislation set a precedent for future industrial safety regulations in Britain.
1862
Hartley Colliery disaster
1942day.year
Crash of TWA Flight 3, killing all 22 aboard, including film star Carole Lombard.
On January 16, 1942, Transcontinental & Western Air Flight 3 crashed into Potosi Mountain near Las Vegas, killing all 22 on board, including Hollywood star Carole Lombard.
On the evening of January 16, 1942, TWA Flight 3 crashed into Potosi Mountain under poor weather conditions.
All 22 passengers and crew perished in the accident, marking one of the deadliest airline disasters of the era.
Among the victims was Academy Award-nominated actress Carole Lombard, returning from a war bond tour with her husband, Clark Gable.
Lombard’s tragic death shocked the nation and underscored the dangers faced by civilians supporting the war effort.
The wreckage remained on the mountainside for years, serving as a somber reminder of the flight's final moments.
In the aftermath, TWA and aviation authorities introduced stricter safety protocols for flights over mountainous terrain.
TWA Flight 3
Carole Lombard
1959day.year
Austral Líneas Aéreas Flight 205 crashes into the Atlantic Ocean near Astor Piazzolla International Airport in Mar del Plata, Argentina, killing 51.
On January 16, 1959, Austral Líneas Aéreas Flight 205 plunged into the Atlantic Ocean during its approach to Mar del Plata, Argentina, killing all 51 passengers and crew.
Flight 205 was arriving at Astor Piazzolla International Airport in Mar del Plata when it encountered challenging weather conditions.
During the final descent over the Atlantic, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into the sea, leaving no survivors.
All 51 people on board—including passengers and crew—perished in the disaster.
The accident prompted investigations into approach procedures and weather briefing practices at coastal airports.
In the years that followed, improvements in navigational aids and crew training aimed to enhance safety in similar environments.
The tragedy remains one of Argentina’s most devastating commercial airline accidents.
1959
Austral Líneas Aéreas Flight 205
Astor Piazzolla International Airport
Mar del Plata
1983day.year
Turkish Airlines Flight 158 crashes at Ankara Esenboğa Airport in Ankara, Turkey, killing 47 and injuring 20.
On January 16, 1983, Turkish Airlines Flight 158 crashed during its final approach to Ankara Esenboğa Airport, resulting in 47 fatalities and 20 injuries.
Flight 158 was en route from Istanbul when strong winds and poor visibility complicated the landing at Esenboğa Airport.
The aircraft descended below the glide path and struck terrain short of the runway, leading to a catastrophic crash.
Of the 68 people on board, 47 lost their lives and 20 sustained injuries, some severe.
Rescue teams faced challenging weather as they reached the crash site and tended to survivors.
The accident prompted a review of approach procedures and wind shear detection systems at Turkish airports.
Subsequent safety improvements aimed to prevent similar tragedies in adverse meteorological conditions.
1983
Turkish Airlines Flight 158
Ankara Esenboğa Airport
Ankara
1995day.year
An avalanche hits the Icelandic village Súðavík, destroying 25 homes and burying 26 people, 14 of whom died.
On January 16, 1995, a massive avalanche struck the Icelandic village of Súðavík, destroying 25 homes and killing 14 residents.
A series of avalanches thundered down the mountainside above Súðavík following heavy snowfall.
The night disaster buried 25 houses and trapped 26 villagers under snow and debris.
Rescue operations, aided by local volunteers and the Icelandic Coast Guard, reached survivors through the early morning hours.
Despite valiant efforts, 14 lives were lost, and the community was left mourning and displaced.
The tragedy led to improved avalanche monitoring systems and the construction of protective barriers.
Súðavík’s recovery became a testament to resilience and community solidarity in the face of nature’s power.
1995
avalanche
Súðavík
2017day.year
Turkish Airlines Flight 6491 crashes into a residential area near Manas International Airport in Kyrgyzstan, killing 39 people.
Turkish Airlines Flight 6491 crashes near Bishkek, killing 39 people both on board and on the ground.
On January 16, 2017, Turkish Airlines Flight 6491 crashed into a residential district near Manas International Airport in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The cargo aircraft descended rapidly on approach and collided with homes.
The tragedy claimed 39 lives, encompassing those on board and residents below.
The crash prompted an international outpouring of grief and solidarity.
Preliminary investigations pointed to possible technical malfunctions and challenging weather conditions.
Authorities reviewed safety protocols for cargo operations to prevent similar disasters.
2017
Turkish Airlines Flight 6491
Manas International Airport