May

May 2

Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar's Irrawaddy Delta on May 2, 2008, causing immense loss of life and property and highlighting critical issues in disaster preparedness.

May 3

A catastrophic sequence of tornadoes struck Oklahoma and Kansas in May 1999, led by an infamous F5 twister that caused immense destruction, prompting significant advancements in weather prediction and emergency responses.

May 4

A controlled burn intended to prevent wildfires spiraled out of control, leading to catastrophic flames threatening Los Alamos, NM, in May 2000.

May 4

On May 4, 1970, a protest at Kent State University turned tragic when National Guardsmen fired on students, resulting in four deaths and nine injuries, further fueling the anti-Vietnam War movement.

May 5

A tragic aviation disaster involving Kenya Airways Flight 507 occurred in 2007, claiming 114 lives when the Boeing 737-800 crashed shortly after takeoff from Douala, Cameroon, due to pilot error in challenging weather conditions.

May 5

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.

May 6

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.

May 6

On May 6, 1937, the German airship Hindenburg burst into flames over Lakehurst, New Jersey, ending the era of passenger airship travel.

May 7

On May 7, 2002, a tragic crash over Bohai Bay, China, ended the lives of all 112 aboard China Northern Airlines Flight 6136, highlighting issues in aviation safety after a passenger's act of arson caused the disaster.

May 7

A catastrophic explosion at a fireworks factory in Malaysia on May 7, 1991, resulted in 26 deaths, over 100 injuries, and significant property damage, prompting stricter safety regulations.

May 8

A catastrophic fire at the Illinois Bell Hinsdale Central Office disrupted telecommunications in northern Illinois, highlighting vulnerabilities and spurring industry-wide safety reforms.

May 9

The May 9 Riots were a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka's economic and political crisis, marked by violent clashes in response to government mismanagement.

May 9

On May 9, 2001, a football match between Ghana’s fiercest rivals ended in tragedy, claiming at least 126 lives in Africa’s worst stadium disaster to date.

May 9

The tragedy that struck Westray Mine in May 1992, resulting in the deaths of 26 miners, highlighted systemic failures which led to significant regulatory changes in occupational safety in Canada.

May 10

In May 1996, Mount Everest saw a tragic loss of eight climbers over two days, marking one of the deadliest seasons on the mountain. The disaster shed light on overcrowding and the risks associated with commercial expeditions.

May 10

A devastating earthquake struck Iran's Khorasan Province on May 10, 1997, causing immense destruction and highlighting the region's vulnerability to seismic activity.

May 10

The 1993 Kader Toy Factory fire in Thailand was a devastating industrial disaster that claimed 188 lives and became a catalyst for global reform in factory safety standards.

May 11

On May 11, 1996, ValuJet Flight 592 crashed into the Florida Everglades shortly after takeoff from Miami International Airport, killing all 110 onboard. Mismanagement of hazardous materials led to the tragedy, prompting critical aviation safety reforms.

May 11

On May 11, 1985, a fire at Valley Parade Stadium in Bradford, England, took the lives of 56 spectators during a football celebration, prompting sweeping safety reforms in sports venues.

May 11

A powerful F5 tornado struck Lubbock, Texas, on May 11, 1970, causing widespread devastation and prompting significant advancements in urban planning and meteorological research.

May 12

On May 12, 2015, Amtrak Train 188 derailed in Philadelphia, resulting in eight deaths and over 200 injuries. The incident highlighted significant lapses in rail safety technology.

May 12

A devastating magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck Sichuan Province, China, on May 12, 2008, leading to massive loss of life and widespread destruction, initiating one of the largest disaster response efforts in Chinese history.

May 13

The Soma Mine Disaster on May 13, 2014, claimed 301 lives in Turkey's deadliest mining tragedy, exposing severe safety shortcomings and sparking national and international calls for reform.

May 13

On May 13, 1972, a devastating fire tore through the Sennichi Building in Osaka, Japan, claiming 118 lives. The disaster prompted significant reforms in fire safety standards.

May 14

A racially motivated mass shooting at Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo, New York, on May 14, 2022, highlighted issues of violent extremism and necessitated community and national responses to address hate and improve safety.

May 14

The 2008 UEFA Cup Final in Manchester ending in riots due to a technical glitch, leading to violence and substantial damage.

May 15

A harrowing true tale of a runaway freight train transporting hazardous chemicals through Ohio, necessitating a daring and skilled intervention to avert disaster.

May 16

A chilling account of the simultaneous attacks in Casablanca on May 16, 2003, carried out by a group of Moroccan youth from impoverished backgrounds, leading to widespread devastation and deeper insights into radicalization in Morocco.

May 17

On May 17, 1995, in San Diego, California, Shawn Nelson, an unemployed plumber and U.S. Army veteran, embarked on a destructive rampage with a stolen military tank, bringing chaos to the city and spotlighting issues of security and mental health among veterans.

May 18

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington, United States, leading to the largest landslide in recorded history and a powerful lateral blast. The event resulted in 57 deaths and caused extensive environmental and economic damage.

May 19

The EgyptAir Flight 804 crash occurred on May 19, 2016, when the aircraft disappeared over the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in the tragic loss of all 66 people on board.

May 20

A series of destructive earthquakes struck the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy in May 2012, causing loss of life, substantial damage, and significant economic repercussions.

May 21

The deadly attack on the Taipei Metro in 2014 marked a turning point in public safety measures and mental health discussions in Taiwan.

May 21

On May 21, 2003, a massive earthquake struck Boumerdès, Algeria, revealing the precarious intersection of natural disaster risk and rapid urban development, leading to significant loss and prompting lasting changes in building practices.

May 21

On May 21, 1976, a tragic accident occurred in Martinez, California, involving a school bus carrying Yuba City High School's marching band to a competition, resulting in the deaths of 29 individuals.

May 21

The West Loch Disaster was a catastrophic munitions explosion at Pearl Harbor on May 21, 1944, causing significant loss of life and naval assets during World War II.

May 22

A race through the perilous terrain of China's Yellow River Stone Forest turned into tragedy on May 22, 2021, as sudden severe weather claimed 21 lives, sparking widespread scrutiny and reform in the world of endurance sports.

May 22

The 2011 Joplin Tornado, which struck Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, was one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history, with catastrophic effects on the local community and infrastructure.

May 22

A devastating earthquake struck Bingöl Province in eastern Turkey on May 22, 1971, leading to significant loss of life and damage, and prompting vital changes in seismic preparedness and building standards.

May 23

On May 23, 2021, a tragic cable car crash near Stresa, Italy, resulted in the deaths of 14 out of 15 passengers due to mechanical failures and maintenance negligence, leading to widespread mourning and a reevaluation of safety protocols.

May 24

On May 24, 2022, a tragic school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, claimed the lives of 19 children and 2 teachers, bringing renewed scrutiny to gun control and law enforcement practices in the United States.

May 25

The deadliest aviation disaster in U.S. history at the time occurred when American Airlines Flight 191 crashed shortly after takeoff from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, due to the detachment of its left engine.

May 26

The tragic collapse of the I-40 Bridge over the Arkansas River near Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, in May 2002 led to significant loss of life and economic disruption, highlighting critical infrastructural vulnerabilities.

May 27

The catastrophic explosion of HMS Princess Irene in 1915, a former luxury liner turned Royal Navy minelayer, led to significant loss of life and changed munitions handling in the British Navy.

May 28

The fatal shooting of Harambe, a 17-year-old western lowland gorilla, by Cincinnati Zoo staff on May 28, 2016, after a three-year-old boy fell into his enclosure, sparked global debate on zoo safety, parental responsibility, and animal rights, leaving a lasting impact on popular culture and zoo practices worldwide.

May 29

A devastating crash of a small business jet in Percy Priest Lake led to the loss of seven lives, including prominent members of Remnant Fellowship Church, sparking deep community mourning and ongoing investigations.

May 30

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.

May 31

On May 31, 2019, a city employee opened fire at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center, leaving 12 people dead and several injured, prompting a reassessment of workplace security and mental health awareness.