May 4
2000
Cerro Grande Fire
A controlled burn intended to prevent wildfires spiraled out of control, leading to catastrophic flames threatening Los Alamos, NM, in May 2000. Read more
1970
Kent State Shootings
On May 4, 1970, four students were killed and nine wounded when Ohio National Guardsmen fired on antiwar protesters and bystanders at Kent State University in Ohio. The shootings, set against escalating opposition to the Vietnam War, shocked the nation, sparked a widespread campus strike, and remain a symbol of the tensions and tragedies of the era. Read more
Stay in the Loop!
Become a Calamity Insider and get exclusive Calamity Calendar updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Thanks! You're now subscribed.
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.
Read more
May 6
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
May 11
The Lubbock Tornado
A powerful F5 tornado struck Lubbock, Texas, on May 11, 1970, causing widespread devastation and prompting significant advancements in urban planning and meteorological research.
Read more