The 6 Most Horrifying Disasters That Ever Happened In Indiana

Indiana has been through its fair share of disasters. With unpredictable weather and a flat terrain conducive to tornadoes and strong winds, it’s easy to see why. Here are six of the top, most horrifying disasters to ever strike the Hoosier state.

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This massive flood impacted over a dozen states across the Midwest and Eastern US. In Indiana, cities and towns along the White, Wabash, and Ohio Rivers were hit the hardest, with damages totaling $25 million. Roads were blocked for weeks, cutting off access to food, medicine, and local businesses across the state.

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This 1918 train wreck is one of the worst recorded in history. A troop train was closely following a circus train when the troop train conductor fell asleep at the throttle. The train collided with the caboose of the circus train, killing over 100 performers and injuring over 120 more. This crash occured near Hammond, Indiana.

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In 1925, the deadliest tornado ever recorded in the country struck Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. 695 people died and over 2,000 were injured. In Indiana, the towns of Griffin, Owensville, and Princeton were devestated, killing over 71 Hoosiers, total. This tornado wasn't officially rated, but is considered to have been an F5 tornado.

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In October of 1963, over 4,000 people were inside of the coliseum, the old home of the Indiana Pacers, for a holiday on ice show when the unthinkable happened. There was a violent explosion which killed over 70 people and injured over 400. The explosion was caused by a propane leak in a popcorn warmer valve and is still seen as perhaps the worst disaster in our state's history.

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This massive blizzard blanketed the northen part of the country, setting many snowfall records. In Indiana, the highest snowfall levels were recorded at three feet tall, burying homes and cars. The temperature also dipped to -50 degrees, keeping most Hoosiers stuck indoors for days.

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This devestating tornado intensified to an F4 level, crossing through Fredericksburg and making its way to Kentucky. The towns of Henryville, New Pekin, Chelsea, and Marysville were hit the hardest. 11 total Hoosiers were killed by this storm.

Were you nearby for any of these tragic disasters in Indiana’s history? For a glimpse at an incredible abandoned structure in Indiana, check out this post.