What disaster occurred on February 26, 2002, marking its 30th anniversary?

The correct answer relates to the Buffalo Creek flood, a tragic event that took place on February 26, 1972, which was remembered on its 30th anniversary in 2002. The flood resulted from the failure of a coal waste dam, leading to a devastating wave of water and sludge that swept through the Buffalo Creek Valley in Logan County, West Virginia. This disaster claimed the lives of 125 people, injured over a thousand, and destroyed multiple homes and buildings, resulting in significant economic and emotional impact on the community. The anniversary served as a poignant reminder of the disaster and highlighted ongoing concerns regarding safety regulations for coal mining waste management.

The other events listed, such as the Baltimore Fire, the Mountaineer Train Derailment, and Hurricane Sandy, do not correspond to events that specifically occurred on February 26, 1972, making them unrelated to the 30-year remembrance of the Buffalo Creek flood. Each of those events represents separate historical occurrences with their own significance, but they do not mark the anniversary being recognized in this question.