We’ve covered a lot of the best things about living in Kentucky, now it’s time to weigh the bad and reflect on some of the most horrific, dark, and/or tragic disasters in our little state. From severe weather to significant automobile accidents to terrifying natural destruction of the scariest order, Kentucky has seen its fair share of unfortunate circumstances. Here are some of the worst things to happen in Kentucky throughout all of history: just be glad you weren’t there (well, hopefully).

1. Carrollton, KY Bus Collision
wurstwisdom/Google Image
It's still dubbed the deadliest drunk driving incident EVER and the second deadliest bus disaster in U.S. history. It occurred on May 14, 1988, on a stretch of Interstate 71, and took the lives of 27 innocent people. The impaired driver survived and spent more than 10 years in prison.
2. Prestonsburg, KY Bus Disaster
WikiMedia
This one clocks in as the third deadliest bus accident in U.S. history (come on, Kentucky, get it together). The collision occurred when a school bus carrying 48 children rear-ended a wrecker truck and subsequently took a plunge into Big Sandy River. It happened February 28, 1958, and took the lives of 27 people, including the driver and 26 children.
3. KY Ice Storm January '09
Andy McLemore/Flickr
It has been called one of the worst natural disasters in KY's recent history: paralyzing the state in several ways, downed electrical lines and massive clean-ups ruled king as the state reeled following an intense ice storm. This was quite literally the first time ever that the ENTIRE National Guard was called up!
4. Martin County, KY Coal Slurry Spill
Wikipedia
On October 11, 2000, 306 million gallons of waste known as coal slurry poured into the Tug Fork River in Kentucky. It contaminated drinking water for 27,000 people and killed countless animals.
5. Hyden, KY Mine Explosion
Tripadvisor/Google Image
38 miners lost their lives in an explosion at Finley Mines 15 and 16. It happened December 30, 1970, and interestingly, it occurred one year to the day from the passage of the Coal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1969.

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6. Harlan County, KY Mine Explosion/Three Point Mine Explosion
southeastkctcs/Google Image
On May 20th, 2006, five miners were killed in an explosion at Darby Mine No. 1. There was one survivor. It is thought that methane was to blame for the blast.
7. Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom Incident
zizzybaloobah/Flickr
A teenage girl loses both feet on Superman: Tower of Power ride at the amusement park. A broken cable is to blame. It occurred June 21, 2007, and remains one of the worst incidents in state history.
8. The Blizzard of '93
Perry Nelson/Flickr
This incredible snowstorm took the lives of more than 300 people and dumped over 20 inches of snow across the Appalachian area. No thanks, we'll pass on this ever happening again, thanks.
9. The Pike County Flood
wkyt/Google Image
Two people lost their lives in this historic flood, and officials claimed it was the worst flood damage the state had seen in years. It occurred mid-July 2010 and remains the worst flood in state history. Unfortunately, Pike County has flooded several times since as well.
10. The Tornado Outbreak of 2012
The U.S. Army/Flickr
Four tornadoes that blasted through Kentucky were the worst in the region in over 24 years. Winds reached up to 160mph and took the lives of 36 people in five states. It occurred in early March 2012 and remains one of Kentucky's worst tornado incidents (up until the December 10, 2021 outbreak that resulted in one incredible tornado trekking across the entire state).

What events do you remember most vividly? Any first-hand stories you care to share?

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Worst Thing To Happen In Kentucky

Tori Jane | December 24, 2022
  1. What was the worst thing to happen in Kentucky?  

While “worst” is subjective, there are a few unfortunate historical events thought to be the worst things to happen in Kentucky. Some of these incidents include:  

 

2. What natural disasters in Kentucky were considered to be the worst?  

Kentucky is no stranger to natural disasters. There have been many notable natural disasters in Kentucky like:  

  • The 2009 Ice Storm  
  • The 1917 tornado outbreak  
  • The New Madrid Earthquake of 1811-1812 

 

3. What kind of Kentucky natural disasters are a risk to residents?  

Kentucky, like anywhere else, is not immune to natural disasters – interestingly, it is almost prone to them, coming in second only to Oklahoma in terms of the most disaster declarations per year. Some of Kentucky’s natural disasters that occur most frequently are:  

  • Flooding 
  • Blizzards 
  • Tornadoes 

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