10 Worst Industrial Disasters of All Time

Apr 25, 2025, 23:32 IST

Wion Web Desk

Bhopal Gas Tragedy - India (1984)

A gas leak at a Union Carbide pesticide plant killed at least 3,000 people immediately, with another 15,000 dying later from exposure to the toxic gas.

Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster - Ukraine (1986)

A nuclear reactor explosion at the Chernobyl power plant released radioactive material, killing thousands of people & animals along with causing long-term health and environmental consequences.

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill - Gulf of Mexico (2010)

An explosion on an oil rig released millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, causing environmental damage and wildlife harm.

Fukushima Nuclear Disaster - Japan (2011)

A powerful earthquake and tsunami caused a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, resulting in radiation leaks and the evacuation of thousands of people

Soma Mine Disaster - Turkey (2014)

A coal mine explosion in Soma killed 301 people and drew attention to the country's mining industry's poor working conditions and safety standards.

Rana Plaza Collapse - Bangladesh (2013)

The collapse of a garment factory building in Dhaka killed over 1,100 workers, eliciting widespread outrage and calls for improved  worker safety.

Halifax Explosion - Canada (1917)

In Halifax Harbour, an explosives-laden ship collided with another ship, resulting in a massive explosion that killed over 1,900 people and injured thousands more.

Piper Alpha Oil Platform Disaster - North Sea (1988)

An explosion and fire on an oil platform in the North Sea killed 167 people and prompted major changes in the regulation of offshore oil and gas operations.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire - USA (1911)

A fire in a New York City garment factory killed 146 workers, the majority of them young women, and prompted new workplace regulations and safety standards.

Seveso Disaster - Italy (1976)

A chemical accident at a pesticide plant released a toxic cloud of dioxin, forcing thousands of people to evacuate and causing long-term health consequences for those who were exposed to the chemical.

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