Accidents involving technology and infrastructure are called what?

• A. Technological disasters
• B. Mechanical failures
• C. Natural disasters
• D. Human-caused disasters

Answer: (A)

When disasters are caused by failures in technology and infrastructure, they’re categorized as technological disasters. This label covers incidents where systems, equipment, or infrastructure—like power grids, dams, bridges, or industrial processes—fail and create far-reaching hazards and disruption. It emphasizes the role of engineered systems and technology in producing the incident, not natural forces or intentional human actions.

Mechanical failures refer to problems in a specific piece of equipment and don’t automatically imply a widespread or systemic infrastructure event. Natural disasters are driven by natural phenomena, not man-made systems. Human-caused disasters involve deliberate or negligent actions by people, which is a different cause category altogether.