February

On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia tragically disintegrated during re-entry over Texas, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members. This disaster sparked significant changes in NASA's safety protocols and shuttle operations.

A tragic ferry disaster off the coast of Papua New Guinea on February 2, 2012, resulting in over 170 deaths and sparking significant maritime safety reforms.

The tragic crash of Cebu Pacific Flight 387 on February 2, 1998, into Mount Sumagaya marked a dark day in the history of Philippine aviation, underscoring critical flaws in navigation protocols under challenging weather conditions.

The derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous materials in East Palestine, Ohio, resulted in environmental and community impacts, with significant emergency response efforts following the event.

A devastating blizzard swept across Iran in early February 1972, burying entire communities under unprecedented snowfalls and claiming the lives of approximately 4,000 people. This catastrophic event highlighted significant gaps in disaster preparedness and became one of history's deadliest blizzards.

A deadly and destructive tornado outbreak coincided with the Super Tuesday elections, affecting the Southern United States predominantly.

A devastating 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Hualien City, Taiwan, on February 6, 2018, causing significant destruction and loss of life.

A devastating earthquake struck southern Taiwan in February 2016, leading to significant casualties and uncovering flaws in building construction, prompting widespread reforms.

The tragic crash of British European Airways Flight 609 on February 6, 1958, profoundly impacted the football world, especially Manchester United, due to the loss of key players, staff, and journalists.

A catastrophic flash flood struck the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, on February 7, 2021, following a glacial collapse, leading to devastating human and economic losses.

The Black Saturday Bushfires of February 7, 2009, in Victoria, Australia, marked one of the deadliest and most destructive fire events in the nation's history, driven by extreme weather and resulting in immense human, environmental, and economic tolls.

The tragic crash of Independent Air Flight 1851 into Pico Alto in the Azores on February 8, 1989, highlighted the severe consequences of miscommunication and human error in aviation.

A chilling account of a tragic aviation disaster near Tokyo International Airport caused by a pilot's mental health crisis.

A tragic bus accident in Tai Po, Hong Kong, claimed 19 lives and injured 65, sparking demands for major safety reforms in public transportation.

On February 11, 2018, near Moscow, Russia, Saratov Airlines Flight 703 crashed shortly after takeoff, tragically claiming all 71 lives onboard. The disaster was attributed to icing of the aircraft's Pitot tubes and pilot error.

A scheduled passenger flight from Newark to Buffalo crashed in Clarence Center, New York, on February 12, 2009, resulting in 50 fatalities and significant changes to airline safety regulations.

A tragic aviation disaster occurred when Iran Air Tours Flight 956 crashed into the Zagros Mountains, highlighting critical issues within Iran's airline industry.

A bomb explosion outside the Sydney Hilton Hotel during an international conference shocked Australia on February 13, 1978, killing three and injuring others, sparking a continued debate on terrorism and security.

On February 14, 2018, a tragic event unfolded at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, a former student, carried out a deadly school shooting. The incident resulted in the loss of 17 lives and sparked national discussions on gun control and school safety.

A brutal and notorious gangland execution that marked the height of mob violence during Prohibition-era Chicago, unraveling the fierce battle between Al Capone and Bugs Moran.

On February 15, 1961, Sabena Flight 548, a Boeing 707, crashed near Brussels, Belgium, claiming the lives of all on board, including the U.S. figure skating team.

The tragedy of China Airlines Flight 676 unfolded in 1998 when an international passenger flight from Bali to Taipei met a catastrophic end while attempting to land in adverse weather conditions. All 196 onboard perished, along with seven on the ground. The investigation unveiled crucial lapses in flight handling during a go-around maneuver.

The Ash Wednesday bushfires, igniting on February 16, 1983, were catastrophic fires that ravaged Victoria and South Australia, fueled by record drought and high winds, leading to immense loss and subsequent policy reform.

The 2015 Haiti Carnival Stampede resulted in 18 deaths and over 78 injuries after an electrical accident triggered a panic.

A colossal mudslide in Southern Leyte, Philippines, claimed over a thousand lives and highlighted the collision of natural forces and human impact on fragile environments.

On February 18, 2004, a runaway train carrying hazardous materials derailed near Nishapur, Iran, leading to catastrophic explosions. The disaster resulted in significant loss of life and property damage, prompting improvements in rail safety protocols.

A devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand, on February 22, 2011, causing widespread destruction and loss of life, prompting a massive rescue and rebuilding effort.

On February 29, 1996, near Arequipa, Peru, Faucett Perú Flight 251 tragically crashed into a hill due to poor visibility and pilot disorientation, claiming all 123 lives on board.