1918day.year
A series of accidental collisions on a misty Scottish night leads to the loss of two Royal Navy submarines with over a hundred lives, and damage to another five British warships.
On a foggy night off Scotland in 1918, multiple Royal Navy vessels accidentally collide, sinking two submarines and damaging five warships.
On January 31, 1918, dense fog and rough seas around the Scottish coast severely hampered naval navigation.
In the poor visibility, a chain of collisions erupted among submarines and accompanying warships.
Two submarines were lost with over one hundred crew members perishing beneath the waves.
Five additional British warships sustained heavy damage, disrupting naval operations during World War I.
The incident prompted the Royal Navy to review its protocols for moving fleets in low-visibility conditions and underscored the hidden dangers of undersea warfare.
1918
series of accidental collisions
Royal Navy
submarines
1953day.year
A North Sea flood causes over 1,800 deaths in the Netherlands and over 300 in the United Kingdom.
A devastating North Sea flood inundates the Netherlands and the UK, causing over 2,100 deaths.
On January 31, 1953, a powerful storm surge swept across the North Sea, breaching dikes in the Netherlands and flooding coastal areas in the United Kingdom.
The catastrophe resulted in more than 1,800 fatalities in the Netherlands and over 300 deaths in the UK.
Entire villages were submerged, displacing thousands and destroying homes and farmland.
The disaster prompted major improvements in flood defenses, including the Dutch Delta Works.
It remains one of the worst natural disasters in modern European history.
1953
North Sea flood
1957day.year
Eight people (five total crew from two aircraft and three on the ground) in Pacoima, California are killed following the mid-air collision between a Douglas DC-7 airliner and a Northrop F-89 Scorpion fighter jet.
A DC-7 airliner collides mid-air with an F-89 jet over Pacoima, California, killing eight people.
On January 31, 1957, a tragic mid-air collision occurred over Pacoima, California, between a Douglas DC-7 airliner and a Northrop F-89 Scorpion fighter jet.
All five crew aboard the two aircraft perished, along with three individuals on the ground.
The crash scattered debris across residential neighborhoods, causing widespread shock.
Investigations led to revisions in air traffic control procedures to enhance flight safety.
The accident underscored the risks of military and civilian aircraft sharing airspace near urban areas.
1957
Pacoima, California
mid-air collision
Douglas DC-7
Northrop F-89 Scorpion
1996day.year
An explosives-filled truck rams into the gates of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in Colombo, killing at least 86 people and injuring 1,400.
A truck bomb exploded at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in Colombo on January 31, 1996, killing at least 86 people and injuring over 1,400.
On January 31, 1996, an explosives-laden truck rammed into the gates of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in Colombo.
The massive blast devastated the bank building and surrounding district, causing widespread destruction.
At least 86 people were killed and over 1,400 injured, making it one of Sri Lanka's deadliest attacks.
The bombing targeted a symbol of the nation's financial stability and prompted national mourning.
Authorities launched a major investigation, leading to heightened security and emergency response measures.
The Central Bank attack had a lasting impact on Sri Lanka's approach to counterterrorism and public safety.
1996
Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Colombo
2000day.year
Alaska Airlines Flight 261 crash: An MD-83, experiencing horizontal stabilizer problems, crashes in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Point Mugu, California, killing all 88 aboard.
On January 31, 2000, Alaska Airlines Flight 261 crashed into the Pacific Ocean off California after a stabilizer malfunction killed all 88 people on board.
Alaska Airlines Flight 261, an MD-83 bound for San Francisco, suffered a catastrophic horizontal stabilizer failure on January 31, 2000.
The flight crew struggled to control the aircraft as it plunged toward the Pacific Ocean near Point Mugu, California.
All 88 passengers and crew aboard perished when the plane crashed into the sea.
Investigators found that inadequate maintenance practices contributed to a jackscrew mechanism failure.
The tragedy prompted sweeping changes in inspection procedures for aging aircraft components.
Flight 261 remains a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintenance and safety oversight in aviation.
2000
Alaska Airlines Flight 261
MD-83
Point Mugu, California
2001day.year
Two Japan Airlines planes nearly collide over Suruga Bay in Japan.
Two Japan Airlines planes narrowly avoided a mid-air collision over Suruga Bay on January 31, 2001, highlighting flaws in air traffic control protocols.
On January 31, 2001, two passenger jets operated by Japan Airlines came within minutes of colliding over Suruga Bay.
The near-miss occurred when aircraft on converging flight paths were cleared to similar altitudes.
Pilots executed evasive maneuvers at the last moment, averting what could have been a catastrophic accident.
An official investigation cited communication lapses and procedural errors in air traffic control.
As a result, Japanese aviation authorities implemented stricter separation standards and enhanced radar monitoring.
The incident underscored the vital roles of clear coordination and technology in ensuring flight safety.
Japan Airlines
nearly collide
Suruga Bay
2003day.year
The Waterfall rail accident occurs near Waterfall, New South Wales, Australia.
On January 31, 2003, a commuter train derailed near Waterfall, New South Wales, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
The Waterfall rail accident occurred on January 31, 2003, south of Sydney, when a passenger train derailed near Waterfall station.
Investigations revealed that the train's braking system failed to engage properly on a steep downhill gradient.
The derailed carriages collided with the structures near the track, causing significant damage.
Several passengers lost their lives, and many others sustained serious injuries in the crash.
Emergency responders faced challenging conditions while rescuing survivors from the wreckage.
The tragedy led to comprehensive safety reforms in Australia's rail network and renewed focus on maintenance protocols.
2003
Waterfall rail accident
Waterfall, New South Wales
2007day.year
Emergency officials in Boston mistakenly identified battery-powered LED placards depicting characters from Aqua Teen Hunger Force as Improvised explosive devices (IEDs), causing a panic.
Boston emergency officials misidentify LED art as potential bombs, sparking a citywide scare.
On January 31, 2007, Boston emergency personnel responded to reports of suspicious devices in the city.
The devices, battery-powered LED advertisements featuring Aqua Teen Hunger Force characters, were mistaken for improvised explosive devices.
The misidentification led to road closures, bomb squad deployments, and widespread panic among residents.
Officials later confirmed the items were harmless promotional placards commissioned by a marketing firm.
The incident highlighted the need for improved communication between advertisers and public safety agencies.
It also sparked discussions on urban security and the handling of potential threats.
2007
Aqua Teen Hunger Force
Improvised explosive devices
a panic
2009day.year
At least 113 people are killed in Kenya and over 200 injured following an oil spillage ignition in Molo, days after a massive fire at a Nakumatt supermarket in Nairobi killed at least 25 people.
A deadly oil spill ignition in Molo and a massive Nairobi supermarket fire claim over 138 lives in early 2009.
On January 31, 2009, an oil spillage near Molo, Kenya, ignited and created a large fireball that killed at least 113 people and injured over 200.
This tragedy occurred just days after a fire at the Nakumatt supermarket in Nairobi claimed at least 25 lives.
Investigations pointed to leaking fuel from damaged pipelines and inadequate safety measures.
Local hospitals were overwhelmed by the number of burn victims and required external aid.
The disasters prompted calls for stricter enforcement of pipeline security and improved emergency response.
They remain among the deadliest fires in Kenya's recent history.
2009
Kenya
oil spillage ignition
Molo
a massive fire
Nakumatt
Nairobi
2025day.year
Med Jets Flight 056 crashes near Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, killing 7 people and injuring 19.
Med Jets Flight 056 crashes near Philadelphia's Roosevelt Mall, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
On January 31, 2025, Med Jets Flight 056 went down near the Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The crash claimed the lives of seven passengers and crew and injured 19 others.
Initial reports indicate the aircraft experienced engine failure shortly after takeoff from a nearby airport.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, securing the area and treating the wounded.
A federal investigation was launched by aviation authorities to determine the cause of the accident.
The tragedy renewed discussions on aviation safety standards and maintenance practices.
2025
Med Jets Flight 056
Roosevelt Mall
Philadelphia