This is a list of people whose deaths were in some manner caused by or directly related to a product, process, procedure, or other technological innovation that they invented or designed.This shows us the pain that comes up with innovation and progress.The following list comprises of inventors from different timelines,regions and backgrounds who were expertised in different fieds such as Automotive,Aviation,Chemistry,Industrial,Maritime,Medical,Publicity and entertainment,Railway,Rocket and miscellaneous inventions.Ismail ibn Hammad al-Jawhariy was the earliest born inventor added to this list while Stockton Rush being the most recent inventor.Each category includes brief description about their inventions and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Ill-fated inventors

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Automobile

-Francis Edgar Stanley, along with his twin brother Freelan Oscar Stanley, was an American inventor and entrepreneur known for his contributions to the automotive industry. Together, they founded the Stanley Motor Carriage Company and developed the Stanley Steamer, a steam-powered automobile.[1]

-Fred Duesenberg was an American automotive engineer and co-founder of Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company. He is best known for his invention of high-performance luxury automobiles, particularly the Duesenberg Model J, which became iconic for its engineering excellence and stylish design.Fred Duesenberg died on July 26, 1932, in a car accident while test driving a supercharged Duesenberg Model SJ. The accident occurred on a road near Los Angeles, California, when Duesenberg lost control of the vehicle, resulting in fatal injuries.[2]

Aviation

-Michael Dacre: Dacre was a British entrepreneur and inventor who developed a concept for a flying taxi device. He tragically died in a crash while testing his flying taxi, highlighting the challenges and dangers associated with developing innovative aviation technologies.[3]

CHEMISTRY

-Marie curie also discovered radium and conducted pioneering research on the properties of radioactive elements. Marie Curie's invention of the term "radioactivity" itself marked a milestone in scientific understanding. Curie's work laid the foundation for modern nuclear physics and the development of radiation therapy for cancer treatment[4].she was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. Curie faced numerous challenges, including discrimination due to her gender and hereditary legacy.[5] She persevered through these obstacles, dedicating her life to scientific inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge.She suffered from various ailments, including aplastic anemia, which is believed to have been caused by her long-term exposure to radiation. Curie's death on July 4, 1934, at the Sancellemoz sanatorium in Passy, Haute-Savoie, marked the end of an era in scientific discovery.[6]

INDUSTRIAL

-Bullock's tragic death occurred as a result of a workplace accident while installing a new printing press. His foot was crushed during the installation process, leading to complications such as gangrene, which ultimately resulted in his death during the subsequent amputation.[7]

RAILWAY

-Webster Wagner (1817–1882) was an American inventor and businessman who made significant contributions to the railway industry. He is best known for his invention of the railway sleeper cars, which played a crucial role in the development of railway transportation in the 19th century.His innovative designs improved passenger comfort and safety, contributing to the popularity of railway travel.[8]

-Henry Thuilli was a French inventor and engineer known for his work on high-speed steam locomotives.Thuilli's locomotive designs were intended to revolutionize rail transportation by achieving faster speeds and improving performance on railway lines.Tragically, Thuilli met his demise during a test run of one of his locomotives between Chartres and Orléans. Conflicting accounts suggest that he was either thrown from the derailing locomotive, striking a telegraph pole, or that he leaned too much and was instantly killed by hitting his head against a piece of bridge scaffolding.[9]

-Valerian Abakovsky (1895–1921) was a Soviet inventor and engineer known for his work on high-speed rail transportation. He is most famous for constructing the Aerowagon, an experimental railcar fitted with an aircraft engine and propeller traction, designed to transport Soviet officials at high speeds.Tragically, the Aerowagon met with disaster during a test run on July 24, 1921. While traveling at high speed, the railcar derailed, resulting in a fatal accident that claimed the lives of six of the 22 individuals on board, including Abakovsky himself.[10]

ROCKETRY

-Valier was a pioneering figure in rocketry, particularly known for his work on liquid-fueled rocket engines as a member of the German rocket society Verein für Raumschiffahrt in the 1920s.His inventions and experiments laid the groundwork for modern rocket propulsion technology and played a crucial role in the development of space exploration.Tragically, on May 17, 1930, while conducting a test of an alcohol-fueled rocket engine on his test bench in Berlin, the engine exploded, killing Valier instantly.[11]

-Hughes, also known as "Mad Mike," was a daredevil and amateur rocketeer who gained notoriety for his homemade steam-powered rockets and attempts to launch himself into the air.He became a media sensation for his stunts, including his attempt to prove that the Earth was flat by launching himself into the sky in a homemade rocket.Tragically, Hughes was killed when the parachute failed to deploy during a crash landing while piloting one of his homemade steam-powered rockets.[12]

SAFETY MEASURES AND LESSONS LEARNED

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Automotive

In the automotive industry,several incidents involving inventors and their invention lead to tragic outcomes.

-Invention of seat belt by volvo ,without any doubt this invention saved most lives in history of automobile.it was the solution found to rising accidents and fatalities among vehicle occupants.

-invention of  gas-inflated cushions, built into the steering wheel, dashboard, door, roof, and/or seat of your car called Airbags that use a crash sensor to trigger a rapid expansion of nitrogen gas contained inside a cushion that pops out on impact to put a protective barrier between passengers and hard surfaces.Even though the first airbags were developed in the early 1950s and widely developed in the USA,it came into use in europe and other countries only after the 1980s.[13]

Aviation

-Boeing issues over 100 meticulously put-together checklists each year.Checklists alone cannot fly a plane, but they can make priorities clearer and prompt people to function better as a team. The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

The aviation industry has seen clear safety improvements by implementing checklists into their everyday processes, but they also experienced a cultural shift that changed the way teams work together. Checklists have redistributed the responsibility of safety among team members by successfully leveraging the team’s collective knowledge.[14]

- Air travel has become the most convenient way of transport due to the safety and regulations that are taken they include sealtbelt use,Emergency procedures,Cabin air quality,Pilot training and Experience and weather monitoring.[15]

RADIOACTIVITY

- The IAEA has taken the leading role in the United Nations system in establishing standards of radiation safety and has issued more than 100 documents on the subject. However, again, until the appearance of the latest Basic Safety Standards1 , the subject of safety had been loosely addressed in the IAEA's standards by the simplistic requirement that 'accidental exposures shall be prevented' on to how to achieve safety.

-Measures that are proposed include-

-Radiation shielding, this may include lead,concrete capable of ionizing radiation.

-providing workers with appropriate ppe such as lead aprons,globes and goggles  to reduce risk of exposure to radiation.[16]

INDUSTRIAL

-programs that involve close supervision of each workers' compensation claim to ensure injured workers receive appropriate care and support to facilitate their return to work as soon as possible.

-Emphasis on preventing workplace injuries and illnesses through proactive safety measures and enforcement of safety regulations. This includes initiatives such as mandatory inspections, safety improvement programs, and broader workplace safety regulations.

-Providing training and education programs to workers and employers on safety best practices, hazard recognition, and proper use of equipmentviation. This helps raise awareness of safety issues and promotes a culture of safety in the workplace.[17]

MARITIME

On the other hand, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) found that the number of total shipping losses declined and was the lowest of the century in 2019, with 41 ships lost. This is due to factors such as improved ship design and technology, increased regulations, advances in risk management and more robust safety management systems and procedures on vessels.[18]

-The Oceangate incident serves as a somber reminder of the grave consequences that can arise from neglecting risk management and safety protocols.

Firstly, fostering a culture of open communication and encouraging employees to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation is vital.

-Secondly, implementing a comprehensive risk management framework should be a top priority. This entails regular risk assessments, proactive risk mitigation strategies, and continuous monitoring to ensure a safe and secure environment for all operations.

-Lastly, establishing robust safety protocols and investing in ongoing training and equipment maintenance are critical. By prioritizing safety, organizations can protect their workforce, maintain their reputation, and prevent devastating incidents.[19]

-The ISM Code Shipping is an intrinsic part of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) efforts to ensure, maintain, and effectuate safety for seafarers and prevent pollution.

The code highlights that in matters of safety, individuals’ efforts, competence and motivation help achieve a positive result.[20]

MEDICAL

RAILWAY

-Implementing stringent maintenance schedules and inspection protocols for railway tracks, signaling systems, rolling stock, and other infrastructure components is crucial to prevent accidents caused by equipment failure or track defects.[24]

-Embrace technological advancements such as Positive Train Control (PTC) systems, Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems, and collision avoidance technologies to enhance safety by preventing overspeeding, train collisions, and derailments.

-Provide comprehensive training programs for railway personnel, including train operators, maintenance workers, and signal operators, to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate trains safely and respond effectively to emergencies.[25]

ROCKETRY

-Implement rigorous quality assurance processes and testing procedures to ensure the reliability and integrity of rocket components, systems, and payloads. Perform thorough testing under simulated conditions to identify and address potential issues before launch.[26]

-Establish and enforce strict safety protocols and procedures for handling hazardous materials, fueling operations, and launch preparations. Implement clear communication channels, emergency response plans, and evacuation procedures to mitigate risks and ensure rapid response to incidents.[27]

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References

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  1. ^ ""The Stanley Twins: F. O. and F. E. Stanley" by Clarence King on Automobile Quarterly"". Vol. 12, No. 4, 1974. ((cite web)): Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ J.L, Albert. ""The Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company: A History"". ((cite web)): Missing or empty |url= (help)
  3. ^ Walker, Peter (2009-08-16). "Jet entrepreneur dies in test flight of commuter plane". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  4. ^ Quinn, Susan. Marie Curie: A Life".
  5. ^ Redniss, Lauren. "Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout.
  6. ^ Curie, eva. Madame Curie A biography.
  7. ^ Isaiah, Thomas (1970). "The History of Printing in America: With a Biography of Printers & an Account of Newspapers".
  8. ^ History of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company: With Plan of Organization, Portraits of Officials and Biographical Sketches. 1899.
  9. ^ Saint Pierre, Michel de (1998). Les plus grands drames de l'histoire des chemins de fer. Éditions du Rocher.
  10. ^ "The Aerowagon: The Soviet Union's Craziest Invention". The Vintage News. 2016, May 31. ((cite news)): Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ Freitag, Ruth S (2004). Max Valier: Rocket Pioneer. University of Nebraska Press.
  12. ^ "Mad Mike Hughes, Daredevil Who Built and Rode His Own Steam-Powered Rocket, Dies in Crash". The New York Times. February 22, 2020.
  13. ^ kinto, kinto (19 December 2019). "Great Automotive Safety Inventions".
  14. ^ Team, SafetyCulture (26 Apr 2016). "Lessons We Can Learn From Aviation Checklists".
  15. ^ Smith, Patrick (May 7, 2013). Cockpit Confidential.
  16. ^ Safety of Radiation Sources and Security of Radioactive Materials. dijon,france: JOINTLY ORGANIZED BY THE IAEA, THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, INTERPOL AND THE WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION. 14-18 SEPTEMBER 1998. ((cite book)): |first= missing |last= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ Asfahl ,Rieske, C. Rayl, David. Industrial Safety and Health Management (6th ed.). University of Arkansas.((cite book)): CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ "AGZ Safety and Shipping Review 2020". 13 July 2021.
  19. ^ "Lessons from the Oceangate Tragedy: Neglected Risk Management and Safety Protocols Exposed". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  20. ^ Raunek (2023-06-02). "What is International Safety Management Code or ISM Code?". Marine Insight. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  21. ^ D, Christopher (2019). Transfusion Medicine and Hemostasis: Clinical and Laboratory Aspects.((cite book)): CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  22. ^ D.M, Harmening (2019). Modern Blood Banking & Transfusion Practices (7th ed.). F.A. Davis Company.((cite book)): CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  23. ^ World Health Organization. WHO guidelines on drawing blood: best practices in phlebotomy. 2017.
  24. ^ "abb-railway". campaign-el.abb.com. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  25. ^ Railway Safety, Reliability, and Security: Technologies and Systems Engineering. 2012.((cite book)): CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  26. ^ Sutton and Biblarz, George P. and Oscar. Rocket Propulsion elements.
  27. ^ Fortescue,Stark, Swinerd., Peter,John,Graham. Spacecraft Systems Engineering.((cite book)): CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)