What type of irony occurs when events turn out the opposite of what was expected?

Situational irony occurs when there is a stark contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs; the outcome is often surprising or contradictory to one's expectations. This type of irony highlights the unpredictability of life and emphasizes how circumstances can unfold in unforeseen ways. For example, if a fire station burns down, it reveals the unexpected twist that contradicts the expectation of safety associated with such a location.

In contrast, verbal irony involves a speaker saying one thing but meaning another, often for humorous or emphatic effect. Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony that often has a biting, mocking tone. Dramatic irony, on the other hand, occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, creating tension and engagement. Each of these other types serves different narrative purposes and does not capture the essence of events turning out in an unexpected manner as situational irony does.