Hatchie River Bridge Collapse – 1989
The 1930s was a good time for infrastructure works in the USA, as that vast country rapidly developed its national…
The Ocean Ranger Capsize – 1982
As the name suggests, Ocean Ranger could indeed range. But in February 1982 this mobile semi-submersible offshore drilling platform was…
Kansas City Hotel Disaster – 1961
When the Hyatt Regency Hotel opened its doors for business in downtown Kansas City local leaders were understandably proud of…
Alexander Kielland Oil Rig – 1980
Having to deal with potentially hazardous substances in some of the fiercest weather the planet has to offer has made…
Teton Dam Flood – 1976
The Teton Dam in the northwestern US state of Idaho enjoys a dubious reputation as one of the most short-lived…
West Gate Bridge Accident – 1970
Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge across the Yarra River links the city to the suburbs and leads out to an industrial…
Ronan Point – 1968
Much of London’s East End was flattened by German bombs in World War II and in 1961 a program of…
Vajont Dam Landslide – 1963
The postwar recovery of the Italian economy was driven by the great industrial cities of the north and the Vajont…
Baikonur Launch-pad Explosion – 1960
The rocket launching site of Baikonur in Central Asia was at the heart of the Soviet Union’s space program. Located…
Malpasset Dam Collapse – 1959
When the French government decided to build a dam to improve the water supply and irrigation for the notoriously dry…