1755day.year
An earthquake in northern Morocco devastates the cities of Fes and Meknes.
In 1755, a powerful earthquake devastated northern Morocco, causing extensive damage to the historic cities of Fes and Meknes and leaving thousands of residents homeless.
The 1755 quake struck with little warning, its epicenter under the Atlas Mountains unleashing intense shaking across the region. Mud-brick walls and traditional architecture in Fes and Meknes proved especially vulnerable, leading to widespread collapses. Contemporary accounts describe scenes of chaos as survivors rushed into the streets and makeshift camps formed. Sultan Mawlay Abdallah ordered relief efforts, dispatching troops and supplies to aid the stricken population. Reconstruction efforts over the following years reshaped urban layouts and introduced stricter building techniques. The disaster left a deep imprint on Moroccan society, influencing subsequent approaches to disaster response. It remains one of the deadliest earthquakes in the country’s recorded history.
1755
earthquake in northern Morocco
Fes
Meknes
1944day.year
World War II: RAF Fauld explosion: An explosion at a Royal Air Force ammunition dump in Staffordshire kills seventy people.
A massive explosion at the RAF Fauld ammunition depot in Staffordshire kills around seventy people.
On November 27, 1944, the Royal Air Force's Fauld ammunition depot in Staffordshire suffered a catastrophic explosion.
The blast, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions recorded, created a massive crater and devastated the surrounding area.
Approximately seventy military personnel and civilian workers were killed, and hundreds more were injured or displaced by the blast.
Subsequent investigations pointed to lapses in safety protocols and unstable munitions handling as key factors in the disaster.
The catastrophe led to stricter regulations on ammunition storage and remains a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in wartime stockpiling.
1944
RAF Fauld explosion
Royal Air Force
Staffordshire
1983day.year
Avianca Flight 011: A Boeing 747 crashes near Madrid's Barajas Airport, killing 181.
On November 27, 1983, Avianca Flight 011, a Boeing 747, crashed near Madrid's Barajas Airport, killing 181 passengers and crew.
Avianca Flight 011 was a scheduled passenger flight from Frankfurt to Bogotá with a stop in Madrid. On November 27, 1983, the Boeing 747 descended too low on approach to Barajas Airport in heavy fog and crashed into a hill. Of the 192 people on board, 181 lost their lives. The crash led to scrutiny of instrument landing procedures and airport safety protocols. It remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Spain's history.
1983
Avianca Flight 011
Boeing 747
Madrid
Barajas Airport
1989day.year
Avianca Flight 203: A Boeing 727 explodes in mid-air over Colombia, killing all 107 people on board and three people on the ground. The Medellín Cartel claimed responsibility for the attack.
On November 27, 1989, a bomb exploded aboard Avianca Flight 203 over Colombia, killing all 107 on board and three people on the ground.
Avianca Flight 203 was a domestic flight en route from Bogotá to Cali on November 27, 1989. Shortly after takeoff, a bomb planted by operatives of the Medellín Cartel detonated in the Boeing 727's fuselage, causing the aircraft to disintegrate in mid-air. All 107 passengers and crew were killed, and debris claimed three additional lives on the ground. The attack aimed to assassinate a presidential candidate but also targeted civilians, shocking the nation. The bombing exposed the cartel's reach and led to stronger aviation security measures in Colombia.
1989
Avianca Flight 203
Boeing 727
Colombia
Medellín Cartel
2004day.year
Blackwater 61 crash: A CASA C-212 Aviocar crashes into the Koh-i-Baba mountain range in Afghanistan, killing six.
On November 27, 2004, a Blackwater CASA C-212 Aviocar crashed into Afghanistan's Koh-i-Baba mountains, killing six crew members.
A Blackwater-operated CASA C-212 Aviocar, designated Blackwater 61, crashed into the Koh-i-Baba mountain range in Afghanistan on November 27, 2004. The aircraft was conducting a supply mission in support of coalition forces when it encountered poor visibility and turbulent weather. All six crew members aboard perished in the impact. The crash raised questions about contractor aviation practices and safety oversight in conflict zones. Investigations led to recommendations for improved flight planning and risk management for private flight operators.
Blackwater 61 crash
CASA C-212 Aviocar
Koh-i-Baba
2008day.year
XL Airways Germany Flight 888T: An Airbus A320 performing a flight test crashes near the French commune of Canet-en-Roussillon, killing all seven people on board.
An Airbus A320 test flight crashed near Canet-en-Roussillon, killing all seven on board.
On November 27, 2008, XL Airways Germany Flight 888T, an Airbus A320 on a routine flight test, crashed near the French commune of Canet-en-Roussillon.
The aircraft was conducting performance evaluations when it encountered a sudden loss of contact with air traffic control.
All seven people aboard, including both pilots and technical staff, were killed.
French aviation authorities launched an investigation into possible technical or procedural failures.
The tragic accident highlighted the risks inherent to flight testing and led to renewed safety protocols for experimental flights.
2008
XL Airways Germany Flight 888T
Airbus A320
flight test
French commune
Canet-en-Roussillon
2009day.year
Nevsky Express bombing: A bomb explodes on the Nevsky Express train between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, derailing it and causing 28 deaths and 96 injuries.
A bomb exploded on the Nevsky Express train between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, causing 28 deaths and 96 injuries.
On November 27, 2009, a powerful explosive device detonated under the Nevsky Express high-speed train near the town of Bologoye.
The blast caused multiple carriages to derail, scattering debris across the tracks.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene, recovering 28 bodies and transporting dozens of wounded to nearby hospitals.
The incident was later linked to a terrorist plot, prompting a major security response across Russia’s rail network.
Investigations led to intensified counter-terrorism measures on major transportation routes.
The Nevsky Express bombing remains one of the deadliest attacks on civilian rail service in recent history.
2009
Nevsky Express bombing
Nevsky Express
Moscow
Saint Petersburg