From Roberto Clemente to the Dupont Plaza’s fire: Puerto Rico’s unforgettable December tragedies

These are some of the most significant moments in the island’s history that disrupted the holiday season.

December, a month typically associated with holiday festivities and relaxation, has also been marked by several tragic events that have left Puerto Rico in shock. Below is a look at some of the most significant moments in the island’s history that disrupted the holiday season.

The Death of Roberto Clemente

Roberto Clemente, one of Puerto Rico’s most beloved figures and a Major League Baseball legend, tragically died on Dec. 31, 1972. Known for his philanthropic efforts, Clemente was delivering aid to Nicaragua following a devastating earthquake when his overloaded and mechanically unreliable plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean shortly after takeoff. Clemente’s death left the island mourning the loss of not just a sports icon, but a humanitarian hero.

Dupont Plaza Fire

On Dec. 31, 1986, an intentional fire at the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan claimed 98 lives and injured over 140 people. The blaze, set by striking employees during a labor dispute, spread rapidly because of inadequate safety measures and flammable materials. The casino, filled with over 150 guests, saw the highest number of fatalities. Locked emergency exits and inward-opening doors further trapped victims. A helicopter rescue saved some individuals stranded on the roof, but the tragedy remains one of the deadliest fires in US history, leading to significant reforms in workplace safety and fire prevention in the island.

Arecibo Observatory Collapse

The iconic Arecibo Observatory, once the world’s largest radio telescopes, collapsed on Dec. 1, 2020 after cables supporting its 900-ton platform failed. Structural deterioration had prompted plans to dismantle the telescope for safety, but the structure gave way before work could begin. The collapse marked the end of an era for an instrument that had been pivotal in astronomy and planetary defense research for decades. Today, the site serves as an educational center.

Holiday Earthquakes

Puerto Rico has experienced several significant earthquakes in December. On Dec. 24, 2010, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter in Aguas Buenas, shook the entire island. Known as the “Temblor de Nochebuena,” it remains a vivid memory for many. Nine years later, on Dec. 28, 2019, a 4.7-magnitude tremor in the southwest began a seismic sequence that included a historic 5.8-magnitude earthquake on Jan. 6, 2020 (Three Kings Day), which caused widespread damage in the area. 2019 was the year with the highest seismic activity recorded in Puerto Rico.

Three Kings Eve Floods

On the night of Jan. 5, 1992, a trough and a cold front caused heavy rains, with 12 inches falling in just three hours. The floods and landslides that followed resulted in 23 fatalities, including 20 people who drowned after attempting to cross swollen rivers, despite protective barriers installed by authorities. The disaster caused over $50 million in damages and remains one of the island’s most devastating weather events.

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