In Norco, California, United States, five masked gunmen hold up a Security Pacific bank, leading to a violent shoot-out and one of the largest pursuits in California history. Two of the gunmen and one police officer are killed and thirty-three police and civilian vehicles are destroyed in the chase. Date: May 9, 1980 Read more…
In Florida, United States, Liberian freighter MV Summit Venture collides with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay, making a 430-meter (1,400 ft) section of the southbound span collapse. Thirty-five people in six cars and a Greyhound bus fall 46 metres (150 ft) into the water and die. Date: May 9, 1980 Read more on Wikipedia → 📅…
The World Health Organization confirms the eradication of smallpox. Date: May 8, 1980 Read more on Wikipedia → 📅 Other events on May 8 📅 Events on this day in 1980 📅 On This Day (Today)
Operation Nimrod: The British Special Air Service storms the Iranian embassy in London after a six-day siege. Date: May 5, 1980 Read more on Wikipedia → 📅 Other events on May 5 📅 Events on this day in 1980 📅 On This Day (Today)
The Iranian Embassy siege begins in London. Date: April 30, 1980 Read more on Wikipedia → 📅 Other events on April 30 📅 Events on this day in 1980 📅 On This Day (Today)
Beatrix is inaugurated as Queen of the Netherlands following the abdication of Juliana. Date: April 30, 1980 Read more on Wikipedia → 📅 Other events on April 30 📅 Events on this day in 1980 📅 On This Day (Today)
One hundred forty-six people are killed when Dan-Air Flight 1008 crashes near Los Rodeos Airport in Tenerife, Canary Islands. Date: April 25, 1980 Read more on Wikipedia → 📅 Other events on April 25 📅 Events on this day in 1980 📅 On This Day (Today)
Eight U.S. servicemen die in Operation Eagle Claw as they attempt to end the Iran hostage crisis. Date: April 24, 1980 Read more on Wikipedia → 📅 Other events on April 24 📅 Events on this day in 1980 📅 On This Day (Today)
The town of Elmore City, Oklahoma holds its first dance in the town's history. Date: April 18, 1980 Read more on Wikipedia → 📅 Other events on April 18 📅 Events on this day in 1980 📅 On This Day (Today)
The Republic of Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) comes into being, with Canaan Banana as the country's first President. The Zimbabwean dollar replaces the Rhodesian dollar as the official currency. Date: April 18, 1980 Read more on Wikipedia → 📅 Other events on April 18 📅 Events on this day in 1980 📅 On This Day (Today)