List of inventors who were killed by their own inventions
An unfortunate chapter in history
At the top of our list is OceanGate’s Stockton Rush. The world was captivated by his invention, the submersible named “Titan.” which would take five passengers down to the bottom of the ocean to view the Titanic shipwreck.
Tragically, the inventor was killed by his own creation, but Rush is not alone. Here’s a rundown of other inventors killed by their own inventions:
William Nelson (c. 1879–1903)
Invention: Motorized bike
Francis Edgar Stanley (1849–1918)
Invention: Stanley Steamer automobile
Franz Reichelt (1879–1912)
Invention: Coat parachute
Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Invention: Pioneering radioactivity research
Karel Soucek (1947–1985)
Invention: Shock-absorbent barrel
Max Valier (1895-1930)
Invention: Liquid-fueled rockets
Aurel Vlaicu (1882-1913)
Invention: Self-built airplane
Henry Smolinski (1933-1973)
Invention: Car-plane
Horace Lawson Hunley (1823–1863)
Invention: Combat submarine
Mike Hughes (1956-2020)
Invention: Steam-powered rocket
Henri Thuile (died 1900)
Invention: Thuile steam locomotive
William Bullock (1813–1867)
Invention: Rotary printing press
Thomas Andrews (1873-1912)
Invention: Shipbuilder/designer of the Titanic
Otto Lilienthal (1848–1896)
Invention: Hang glider
Michael Dacre (1956-2009)
Invention: Flying taxi
