February 13

Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire lost its medieval central tower in a sudden structural failure during a winter storm. The collapse left a massive void in the church's nave and threatened the integrity of the surrounding building. Cathedral authorities commissioned a bold architectural solution, replacing the fallen tower with the unique octagonal lantern. Master mason Alan of Walsingham designed the new structure, which remains a celebrated engineering achievement. The innovative octagon secured the cathedral’s stability and became its most recognizable feature. This reconstruction project transformed Ely into a landmark of English Gothic architecture. The event highlights medieval ingenuity in overcoming catastrophic damage.

On February 13, 1955, Sabena Flight 503, a Douglas DC-6B en route from Brussels to Rome, flew into Mount Terminillo in poor weather. The crash occurred near Rieti, Italy, at an altitude of approximately 7,400 feet during descent. All 29 passengers and crew perished in the impact and subsequent fire. Investigators cited low visibility and instrumentation issues as contributing factors. The tragedy led to calls for better navigation aids and stricter weather-related procedures. Memorials were later erected to honor those lost in one of Italy's deadliest postwar aviation accidents.

On February 13, 1975, a blaze erupted on the 11th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center, then one of the world's tallest buildings. The fire began in a supply closet and rapidly spread through office spaces, prompting an extensive evacuation. Firefighters battled the flames for several hours and successfully contained the blaze without any reported fatalities. While damage was limited to interior furnishings and structural components, the incident prompted a comprehensive review of high-rise fire safety measures. Subsequent upgrades included improved sprinkler systems and revised evacuation protocols for skyscrapers.

On February 13, 1979, a powerful windstorm lashed the Puget Sound region of Washington state with gusts exceeding 80 miles per hour. The Hood Canal Floating Bridge, then the world's longest floating bridge, was torn from its moorings and a half-mile section capsized. Thankfully, no vehicles were on the span at the time, averting potential loss of life. Repairs required months of work to restore the critical transportation link. Engineers strengthened the bridge's anchoring system and implemented design changes to prevent similar failures.

On February 13, 1981, build-ups of methane and other flammable gases in Louisville's aging sewer lines ignited, causing a series of explosions beneath the city streets. The blasts shattered asphalt, uprooted sidewalks, and collapsed manholes over more than two miles of roadway. Dozens of buildings sustained structural damage, and nearby residents were evacuated amid fears of additional explosions. Utility crews worked continuously to ventilate the sewers and upgrade gas mains. The disaster spurred municipal reforms to improve utility inspection and gas safety protocols.

On February 13, 1983, a fire broke out at the Cinema Statuto in Turin during a Saturday evening screening, trapping hundreds of moviegoers inside. The blaze spread rapidly through flammable auditorium materials, and many emergency exits were locked or obstructed. Sixty-four individuals perished, and scores more were injured by burns and smoke inhalation. Investigations highlighted failures in fireproofing, exit access, and evacuation planning. In response, Italian authorities overhauled public venue safety regulations, mandating sprinkler systems and regular emergency drills.

On February 13, 2001, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck El Salvador, centered near the capital, San Salvador. The tremor collapsed buildings, bridges, and homes across the country, leaving streets in ruins. At least 315 people were killed and hundreds more injured, many trapped under rubble. Emergency responders faced challenges due to damaged infrastructure and aftershocks. International aid and local volunteers rushed to assist survivors with food, water, and medical care. The disaster highlighted El Salvador's seismic vulnerability and spurred efforts to improve building codes. Reconstruction took years, as communities rebuilt and strengthened their resilience.

On February 13, 2010, a bomb exploded inside the German Bakery in Pune, Maharashtra, causing mass casualties. Seventeen people lost their lives and over 60 were injured in the midday attack at the popular tourist spot. Authorities launched a swift investigation, detaining suspects and probing links to extremist groups. The blast prompted heightened security across urban centers in India amid fears of coordinated strikes. Global leaders condemned the violence, and local communities rallied to support victims and rebuild. The incident underscored India's vulnerability to terrorism and spurred improvements in emergency response.

In February 2021, a rare Arctic blast swept across Texas and northern Mexico, sending temperatures plunging well below freezing. Ice and snow crippled power and water systems as frozen pipelines and grid failures left millions in the dark. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas imposed rolling blackouts that quickly became widespread and prolonged. Residents endured frigid conditions without heat or safe drinking water for days on end. At least 82 people lost their lives to cold exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other storm-related tragedies. The crisis exposed vulnerabilities in aging energy infrastructure and sparked urgent discussions on climate resilience. In the aftermath, officials pledged reforms to bolster grid reliability and strengthen emergency response measures. The storm remains a stark reminder of the risks posed by extreme weather events to modern society.