This Day in History December 19, 1907

It was on this date in 1907 that the worst coal mining disaster in Pennsylvania history occurred. The Darr Mine is located in Jacobs Creek, Pennsylvania, and at about 11:30 A.M. on that date, an explosion happened in that mine.  A total of 239 people lost their lives in this disaster.  Rescue operations were investigated, but it was quickly determined that no one could get out alive.   They worked very carefully as they recovered bodies, and all but those that there buried deeply beneath the debris were actually pulled out of the mine--220.  An investigation was ordered as to the cause, and it was determined that the biggest issue was "management neglect."  Even though coal dust was known to be quite explosive, it was allowed to accumulate.  Poor ventilation was another issue.  The leaders of the company had been made aware of the potential problems for months preceding the disaster, but of course, nothing had been done. There were evidently two survivors of this blast, but all the rest were killed.

For more information:
http://patheoldminer.rootsweb.ancestry.com/darr2.html
http://www.usmra.com/saxsewell/darr.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darr_Mine_Disaster

This Day in History December 3, 1984

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bhopal-Union_Carbide_1_crop_memorial.jpg

One of the worst industrial disasters that ever happened occurred on this date in 1984, at a pesticide plant in India.  A gas leak occurred, and over 500,.000 were exposed to these toxic gases.  Though not official, it is estimated that 8000 died.  The official record says 2259.  

For more information:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/december/3/newsid_2698000/2698709.stm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhopal_disaster
http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/december3rd.html

This Day in History November 28, 1942

The Cocoanut Grove in Boston, MA was one of the most elegant nightclubs of its time.  During the summer, the roof could be electrically rolled back so that people could dance under the stars. On this date in 1942, some time after 10 P.M., a young couple wanted some privacy.  So they unscrewed a light bulb.  A 16-year-old busboy was instructed to replace the light, and so he lit a match so he could see what he was doing.  Shortly thereafter, a flame was spotted on the satin ceiling, and people were amused to try to see the waiters put the fire out with seltzer water.

The temperature was 28 degrees, and the air was dry.  A short ways away, firefighters were putting out flames in an automobile, and they saw smoke at the nightclub.  Eventually, 187 firefighters, 26 engine companies, five ladder companies, three rescue companies, and one water tower were used in the fighting of this fire.  Meanwhile, the fire was spreading quickly inside the club, but an employee insisted no one leave without paying their check.  Eventually, about 500 were killed in this tragedy.

For more information:
http://www.celebrateboston.com/disasters/cocoanut-grove-fire.htm
http://www.boston.com/news/daily/21/archives_cocoanut_112292.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoanut_Grove_fire
http://www.infoplease.com/dayinhistory/Nov-28

This Day in History June 23, 1985

I don't really remember this happening, but it is an event that did happen during my lifetime.  It was on this date in 1985 that the deadliest plane disaster in aviation history occurred.  Air India Flight 182 went down as a result of a bomb explosion.  It was en route to Canada from India with a stopover in London Heathrow.  The explosive was in a checked bag of a passenger who never officially boarded.

This was the worst mass murder in modern Canadian history, and until 9/11, it was the costliest disaster in terms of lives lost.  All 329 people on the plane died.  Some of the people survived the initial explosion but either drowned or died in the cold water.

Canadians are probably more familiar with the court case issues involving this since it was handled in their country and paid for by them.  If you are interested, you can check out the websites listed at the end of this post.

As I read this story, I was reminded yet again of the brevity of life.  I am sure that each of those passengers and crew members boarded that flight routinely as if it were a normal day.  They did not get on that flight expecting it to be their last.  When death came, I am sure it came quickly.  They may have had a few moments to understand and anticipate the fact that they were dying or going to die.  I think the worst must have been those who survived the explosion and knew they were going to crash in the water.  Maybe some of those hoped for a chance to survive.  I can only hope and pray that they knew where they were going when they realized the imminence of death.

For more information, please check out:
http://www.x-rayscreener.com/?CategoryID=332&ArticleID=175
http://www.firstpost.com/tag/air-india-flight-182
http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Air_India_Flight_182
http://www.cbc.ca/news/airindia/
http://www.airdisaster.com/special/special-ai182.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_India_Flight_182#Recovery_of_wreckage_and_bodies

This Day in History June 12, 1899

Yes, another weather disaster for today's feature.  This date in 1899 was the day of a great circus for the inhabitants of New Richmond, Wisconsin.  You can imagine the excitement as hundreds of visitors as well as lots of visitors were drawn to this town to view the entertainment.  The circus ended late that afternoon just about the time when the circus was over.  There was some rain and hail, but by 6 P.M., things seemed to have cleared up.

The tornado had already touched down and was heading towards New Richmond, destroying farm buildings and killing three people as it moved across the open country. There was little warning.  People were caught in the streets, and even some of those in storm cellars were pelted to death with flying bricks.

Fires broke out, and more than 500 buildings were destroyed due to the tornado and fires afterwards.  A total of 117 people were killed (114 in the village proper), and the town basically had to be rebuilt.  The storms caused anywhere from $300,000 to $600,000 in damages (but remember this was 1899). 

When I read about things like this, I am again reminded of my many blessings.  God has been good to keep me safe all these years.  But I also know that if something bad does happen, I will continue to trust Him.

For more information, please check out:

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/dictionary/index.asp?action=view&term_id=10466&term_type_id=3&term_type_text=Things&letter=N

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx/?n=newrichmond-tornado

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1899_New_Richmond_tornado

This Day in History May 7, 1915

There are so many disasters that I have been featuring lately, but it just seems that all the disasters in the world come at once.  And this is a disaster that definitely bears being featured.  It was on this date in 1915 that the U.S. found a reason to enter WWI (but it was two years before they did). And what was the reason?

The British ship called the Lusitania made its first voyage in 1907.  The British wanted it to be a ship that would serve the war efforts.  A warning had been issued by the Germans on May 1, 1915, and it concerned passenger ships just like the Lusitania.  And it was on this very day, this ship left New York City for Liverpool with 1959 passengers and crew aboard (and hidden ammunition).  They were certain they could outrun any German submarine.

On this date in 1915, there was fog that prevented the ship from going full speed.  Once the ship entered the Irish Sea, it was doomed.  There was a German submarine waiting for it.  And about 2:00 P.M., it was torpedoed.  And it exploded.  Within 18 minutes, it had sunk, and 1924 died--114 were Americans.

For more information, please check out:
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/snpwwi2.htm
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/May-June-08/On-This-Day--Germany-Sinks-British-Liner-Lusitania.html

This Day in History May 6, 1937

Does this picture look familiar?  Yes, it was on this date in 1937 when the horrible Hindenburg disaster occurred.  If you have never heard of this airship, let me give you a brief history.

This was an airship that was supposed to be fantastic.  It originated in Frankfurt, Germany.  It was going to revolutionize air travel.  It was a hydrogen-filled luxury liner.  And seemingly out of nowhere, it exploded into flames in New Jersey.

It is considered one of the worst disasters of the 20th century along with the Challenger disaster and the Titanic.  Amazingly, of the 36 passengers and 61 crew members, 13 passengers and 22 crew members died.  Also one of the ground crew was killed. There is still much speculation as the cause of this horrific explosion. If you are interested in learning more, please check out:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/05/the_hindenberg_75_years_later.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindenburg_disaster

And here is a video:

This Day in History April 27, 1965

I will admit that I have never heard of this disaster that I am featuring today.  Interestingly enough, it was on this day in 1965 that the worst maritime disaster in U.S.  history occurred--the sinking of the S.S. Sultana.  It was more costly than the sinking of the Titanic.  Comparatively, 1517 people died in the sinking of Titanic compared with 1700 on the Sultana.  Interestingly enough, the sinking of the Sultana disaster is an event that is forgotten today.

Steamboat Sultana was carrying Union POW's back to their families.  In addition to these, there were some relatives aboard--including women.  About 2300 people were on board this ill-fated steamer, and before it left, its boiler sprung a leak.  Instead of properly fixing the problem, the captain took the quick way out and essentially applied a bandaid to the problem.

As it went along the Mississippi, it was known that it was overcrowded, but no one really cared.  It was on this date at 2 A.M. that the repaired boiler exploded.  And two more boilers exploded as well.  Many were killed instantly from falling debris amongst other things.  Many drowned, but there were some survivors.  The ship did sink, and still today it lies at the bottom of the muddy river.

For more information, please check out:
http://www.civilwaracademy.com/sultana.html
http://www.tngenweb.org/civilwar/newspaper/sultana.html
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/05/0501_river5.html
http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=2269

This Day in History April 26, 1989

On this date in 1989, the deadliest tornado in history struck central Bangladesh killing nearly 13,000 people, injuring around 12,000,  and leaving around 80,000 homeless.  It is known as the Daulatpur-Saturia Tornado because of the main cities it targeted.  

I don't know about you, but sometimes I find myself complaining about what is happening in my life and how I don't have enough money for whatever I want.  Then I am reminded about what really matters when I read about stories like this.

Here is more information:

http://worldnews.about.com/od/disasters/tp/Worlds-Worst-Tornadoes.htm 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daulatpur-Salturia_Tornado 

http://www.tutorgig.info/ed/Daultipur-Salturia_Tornado 

http://www.komindia.com/komkids/26th-april-today-in-history 

This Day in History April 10, 1912

I probably don't need to say much of anything about this day's feature.  On this date in 1912, Titanic took off on its first (and what would be its last) voyage.  It is a great tragedy, as most of us know.  I have had a fascination with this tragedy since I was in sixth grade and had an opportunity to write a research paper on it.

In spite of the tragedy, there are great stories that have come out of it.  Of course, you have John Jacob Astor who went down with the ship as a hero.  He helped many get off the ship.  Then there is the story of the Strausses.  She refused to leave him when given the chance, and they went down with the ship together.  And they were the owners of Macy's!  There is always the story of Molly Brown who inspired the members of her lifeboat to not give up hope.  In some ways, I liken this ship to the Tower of Babel.  I think whenever we humans think we have built something that "rivals" our Lord, I think He does allow things to happen to sort of keep us in check.  This was the ship that was "unsinkable."  It was said that God Himself could not sink it.  While I don't believe that God caused the tragedy, He did allow it.  Just like He allowed the languages to be jumbled and confused at Babel.  Just my observation.   

I had heard about some memorial cruise, and that began yesterday.  I will post the video that talks about that.  

  http://www.reuters.com/video/2012/04/09/titanic-memorial-cruise-sets-sail?videoId=233014150&newsChannel=lifestyleMolt

And for more info, check out:

http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00504/Sea_pages/titanic.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/titanic-large-image-1

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17649500

This Day in History April 5, 1936

As we see the tornadoes that happened in Dallas/Fort Worth area yesterday, I am now drawn to another date when terrible tornadoes occurred.  It was on this date in 1936 that the nightmare began in Mississippi.

In all, 17 tornadoes ripped through the Gainseville/Tupelo, Mississippi area beginning on April 5 and ending on April 6.  The fourth deadliest tornado tore through Tupelo on April 5, 1936 about 8:30 P.M.  Ten were killed and many more injured as the F5 tornado ripped through Tupelo.  By the time this destructive system ended, about 216 people were killed, and more than 700 were injured (African Americans were not included in these totals).  The property damage was estimated at three million dollars.

This was a horrific time, and if you would like to read more, I will list the links:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/tornadoes-devastate-tupelo-and-gainesville
http://ngeorgia.com/ang/FDR_in_Gainesville,_1936
http://ngeorgia.com/ang/1936_Gainesville_Tornado
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupelo-Gainesville_tornado_outbreak

This Day in History March 28, 1979

It was on this date in 1979 that the worst nuclear disaster in U.S. history occurred.  Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania had been built in 1974.   The disaster began at 4 A.M., and by 8 P.M. that day, it seemed like complete meltdown had been averted.

Unfortunately, two days later it was discovered that radiation had escaped into the air, and over 100,000 people fled to surrounding areas in fear and panic.  Thankfully, the hydrogen gas bubble was not in danger of exploding.  The plant was shut down and did not resume operation until 1985.   Then it closed permanently in 1990. There has not been another power plant erected in this country since this disaster.

Thankfully, this disaster was not any worse.  Hopefully there will never be another disaster, but I have to admit that I don't have a lot of hope.

For more information, please check out:
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2007/03/dayintech_0328
http://www.history.co.uk/this-day-in-history/March-28.html;jsessionid=DBFBC6B0EC253A8A2721A3F146376575
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/nuclear-accident-at-three-mile-island

This Day in History March 6, 1900

A tragedy occurred on this date in 1900 in West Virginia at their Red Ash coal mines.  An explosion occurred at the mine that day, and 46 workers were killed, including several young boys.  One of the victims was only 12 years old.

If you would like to see a list of those who died, click here.

As I read this tonight, it really puts things in perspective.  I am certain that when these victims went to work that morning, they had no idea that they would not be coming back.  Hopefully each one of them told their loved ones goodbye and left with all issues resolved.  I think that it is important to make sure that you do not let "bad blood" brew between you and your loved ones.  You never know when the next step you take may be your last.

For more information, please check out these links:
http://www.usmra.com/saxsewell/rush_run.htm
http://www.wvexp.com/index.php/Red_Ash_%28historical%29

This Day in History March 1, 1910

Here I am a Washington state native although I do not recall learning about any of it!  But at least I know now.  On this date in 1910, one of the worst train accidents ever occurred in Washington state.  It is also the anniversary of the worst avalanche in history.  Read on.

On February 23, 1910,  two Great Northern trains set out from the town of Leavenworth in Washington.  They were headed west, and all seemed normal.

Once they had passed through the Cascade tunnel, avalanches and snow caused the train to stop in the town of Wellington, a little town comprised almost completely of Great Northern employees.  At least, that was the plan until snow and avalanches stranded them on the train cars for six days.  And finally on the last day of February, things were looking up.  The snow turned to rain, and this was a recipe for disaster.

On March 1, "White Death" came without warning--except for a rumble.  The death toll climbed to 118 within a couple days.  Some reports say 96, but it makes no difference.  It was a horrid disaster to say the least.

This spot is now the Iron Goat Trail, named after the Great Northern corporate symbol.


For more information, check out these sites:
http://www.pbase.com/mad_monte1/image/115374140/original
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080302/NEWS01/381908918/-1/NEWS0103
http://www3.gendisasters.com/washington/474/wellington%2C-wa-avalanche-train-wreck%2C-mar-1910

This Day in History January 28, 1986

I don't think I will ever forget this day.  I remember where I was.  I was home sick on this date.  The TV was on, and suddenly, the program was interrupted, and this is what I saw.



Yes, it was on this date in 1986 that the Challenger broke apart just 73 seconds after lift-off.  This was that fateful mission where the first educator astronaut was chosen.  The cause of the accident was a failed O-ring. I remember how the Space Shuttle program stopped for some time--almost three years.

What I didn't realize is that some of the astronauts evidently survived the initial explosion, but of course, none survived the cabin's hitting the Atlantic Ocean.  I cannot imagine how horrible that would have been.  There was no escape plan.  And it is even worse to realize that this fatal flaw was known about since the 1970's.

I will never forget this date.  I remember getting up and calling out to my mom who was hanging out laundry or something like that.  And sadly, it was not the last Space Shuttle disaster.

For more information, please check out these sites:
http://space.about.com/cs/challenger/a/challenger.htm
http://www.space.com/10677-challenger-tragedy-overview.html
http://www.universetoday.com/71612/challenger-disaster/