Horrible Photographs of Damaged Cars From the 1994 Northridge Earthquake

The 1994 Northridge earthquake struck the San Fernando Valley in southern California on January 17, becoming the most destructive quake in the state since the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the costliest in U.S. history.

It occurred along an undiscovered fault and had a magnitude of 6.7, with its epicenter in Reseda, just outside Los Angeles. The quake happened early on a federal holiday, which likely reduced the death toll (estimated at around 60 people) since fewer individuals were on the roads or in vulnerable buildings. Severe property damage was reported across Los Angeles County and surrounding areas, affecting thousands of buildings and major infrastructure. In response, California established the California Earthquake Authority to provide basic residential earthquake insurance.

h/t: vintag.es