May 6
1976
The 1976 Friuli Earthquake
The 1976 Friuli Earthquake was a devastating seismic event that struck northeastern Italy, causing massive destruction and loss of life, and leading to significant reconstruction and policy changes in disaster preparedness. Read more
1937
The Hindenburg Disaster
On May 6, 1937, the German passenger airship LZ 129 Hindenburg burst into flames while attempting to dock at Lakehurst, New Jersey, killing 36 people and shattering public confidence in airship travel. The disaster was broadcast live, searing itself into global memory and ending the era of passenger zeppelins. Read more
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Explore more events in May
May 5
1930 Bago Earthquake
The 1930 Bago Earthquake, striking near the city of Bago in Burma, wrought widespread destruction and resulted in over 500 deaths. This calamitous event underscored the seismic vulnerability of the region under British colonial rule.
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May 22
Gansu Ultramarathon Disaster
In May 2021, 21 runners died after a sudden storm struck the Yellow River Stone Forest ultramarathon in Gansu Province, China. The tragedy revealed fatal flaws in race safety and transformed the future of endurance sports events across the country.
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May 30
The Lod Airport Massacre
An act of international terrorism by the Japanese Red Army at Lod Airport in Israel on May 30, 1972, left 26 dead and 80 injured, triggering global changes in airport security.
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