The 1994 Tolunda rail disaster happened near Tolunda, in the Namibe Province, Angola on 22 September 1994. A freight train of the Benguela railway derailed due to malfunctioning brakes and crashed into a 10 metres (33 ft) deep ravine. Around 300 people died and 147 more were injured.
It is among the deadliest train disasters in history.
Why this event still matters
Historical incidents shape the rules that protect people today — building codes, evacuation policy, warning systems and inspection regimes almost always trace back to a specific disaster. Studying 1994 Tolunda rail disaster alongside current events is how preparedness improves.
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