Historical Events tagged with "ecuador"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Accidents & Tragedies

Boeing 737-200 Crash in Cuenca, Ecuador

July 11th, 1983 41 years ago

A TAME airline Boeing 737-200 crashed near Cuenca, Ecuador, resulting in the loss of all 119 individuals onboard, including passengers and crew. The flight, destined for Cuenca, encountered severe weather conditions before the incident. This led to significant investigations into the causes of the crash and improvements in aviation safety regulations in the region.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Tragic Aircraft Accident of President Roldós

May 24th, 1981 43 years ago

Ecuadorian President Jaime Roldós Aguilera and his wife, Martha Bucaram, along with several members of his presidential committee, died in an aircraft accident while traveling from Quito to Zapotillo. The crash occurred shortly after Roldós delivered a prominent speech commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Pichincha. The crash site was near the town of La Balvina.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Devastating Tumaco Earthquake and Tsunami Hits

December 12th, 1979 45 years ago

An undersea earthquake of 8.2 Mw struck near Tumaco, Colombia, with its epicenter located in the Pacific Ocean. With a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), the earthquake resulted in significant destruction, killing an estimated 300 to 600 people. The seismic event also generated a large tsunami that impacted coastal regions in both Colombia and Ecuador, displacing numerous residents and causing widespread damage to infrastructure. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of the region to seismic activities and the need for better preparedness.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

SAETA Flight 011 Missing in Ecuador

April 23rd, 1979 46 years ago

SAETA Flight 011, a domestic flight in Ecuador, disappeared while en route from Quito to Guayaquil. The aircraft, a Boeing 727, lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff, and extensive search efforts could not locate the wreckage. It was not until 1984 that the remains of the flight were discovered in the dense jungles of Pastaza Province, revealing the tragic fate of all 57 passengers and crew on board.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

SAETA Flight 232 Disappears Over Chimborazo

August 15th, 1976 48 years ago

SAETA Flight 232, a domestic flight in Ecuador operated by the South American Air Transport Company (SAETA), disappeared en route from Quito to Guayaquil while flying over the Chimborazo volcano. Despite a full search effort, the wreckage was not discovered until 2002, leading to numerous speculations about the cause of the crash. All 59 passengers and crew members aboard were lost in this incident, which shocked the nation and raised concerns regarding aviation safety in mountainous regions.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

José María Velasco Ibarra Overthrown by Military Again

February 15th, 1972 53 years ago

José María Velasco Ibarra, serving as President of Ecuador for the fifth time, was overthrown by the military for the fourth time in his political career. This military coup was led by General Guillermo Rodríguez, which resulted in Ibarra's detention and the establishment of a military junta. The context of the coup was marked by socio-political unrest and economic difficulties faced by the Ecuadorian government during Ibarra's presidency, creating fertile ground for military intervention.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

U.S. Missionaries Killed by Waorani Tribe

January 8th, 1956 69 years ago

Five U.S. missionaries were killed by the Waorani tribe of Ecuador shortly after making first contact. The missionaries, including Jim Elliott and Nate Saint, had sought to evangelize the isolated tribe. However, this meeting turned tragic when cultural misunderstandings and fear led to violence, resulting in the deaths of the missionaries at the hands of the Waorani.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

Che Guevara's Journey Across Latin America

July 7th, 1953 71 years ago

Ernesto 'Che' Guevara embarked on a transformative journey across several Latin American countries, including Bolivia, Peru, and Nicaragua. Using a motorcycle, he sought to gain firsthand experience of the socio-political climates and economic challenges faced by the region's impoverished populations. This trip would significantly shape his revolutionary ideology and further his commitment to socialism and armed struggle. During this journey, he witnessed the dire conditions and injustices that fueled his future activism.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Massive Earthquake Shakes Ecuador

August 5th, 1949 75 years ago

A powerful earthquake struck Ecuador, decimating over 50 towns. The seismic event caused widespread destruction, with thousands reported dead, severely impacting communities across the region. Reports indicated buildings collapsed and critical infrastructure was devastated. Rescue efforts were hindered by aftershocks and damaged roads, complicating the situation for the survivors and emergency services.

Continue Reading