Notable Historical Dates On This Day August 10th

From world-changing moments to lesser-known milestones, history is happening all around us—every single day. Explore the key events that shaped the world on this very date, and uncover the fascinating stories that connect the past to today.

Crime & Law

Shooting at Los Angeles Jewish Community Center

August 10th, 1999 26 years ago

A gunman opened fire at the Skirball Cultural Center, injuring several individuals. The attack occurred in Los Angeles, California, where a man named Buford O. Furrow Jr. entered the building with an assault weapon. This incident was part of a pattern of anti-Semitic violence, highlighting the vulnerabilities of minority communities.

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Military & Warfare

Mass Casualty Train Attack in Angola

August 10th, 2001 24 years ago

On August 10, 2001, a train traveling from Malanje to Luanda in Angola was attacked by armed rebels from the União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola (UNITA). This assault resulted in the tragic deaths of 252 people and left many others injured. The incident occurred during a phase of the Angolan Civil War, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability in the country, which was embroiled in conflict for decades. The attack drew international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Angola, making it a pivotal point in the war.

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Space Exploration

Discovery Launches Expedition 3 to ISS

August 10th, 2001 24 years ago

The Space Shuttle Discovery launched on mission STS-105 to the International Space Station, carrying the Expedition 3 crew to replace Expedition 2. The mission aimed to further the assembly of the ISS and included important science experiments and cargo delivery.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Opening of the Okinawa Urban Monorail

August 10th, 2003 22 years ago

The Okinawa Urban Monorail began operations in Naha, Okinawa. The system was developed to ease traffic congestion and improve public transportation options in the region. The landmark initiative provided residents and visitors with a reliable means to navigate the urban areas of Naha. The monorail line spans several kilometers and features various stations serving key locations throughout the city.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Deadliest Mining Disaster in Slovakia's History

August 10th, 2009 16 years ago

A catastrophic methane explosion in the Handlová mine led to the deaths of twenty miners. This disaster marked the worst mining accident in Slovakia, occurring in the Trenčín Region. Rescue efforts were thwarted by toxic conditions, with brave responders facing immense challenges. The tragedy brought national attention to mining safety protocols.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Marikana Massacre Results in 47 Deaths

August 10th, 2012 13 years ago

A violent confrontation erupted between police and striking miners at the Lonmin Platinum Mine in Marikana, South Africa. The clash followed weeks of labor unrest and demands for better wages from the miners. During the confrontation, police opened fire on a group of miners, resulting in the deaths of 47 people and raising national and international outcry regarding police brutality and workers' rights. The event highlighted deep-seated inequalities in South Africa's mining industry and labor relations.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Fatal Sepahan Airlines Flight 5915 Crash

August 10th, 2014 11 years ago

Sepahan Airlines Flight 5915 crashed while attempting to land at Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport. The crash resulted in the tragic loss of 40 lives. The flight was arriving from the city of Tabas, and preliminary investigations suggested that heavy fog conditions played a role in the accident. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud noise before the aircraft went down, and emergency teams were swiftly dispatched to the scene to assist and recover casualties.

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Politics & Government

Rally Against Government Turns Violent

August 10th, 2018 7 years ago

A massive protest in front of Victoria Palace drew 100,000 people, demanding anti-corruption measures and government accountability. Tensions escalated when members of the Romanian Gendarmerie confronted the demonstrators, resulting in violent clashes. Authorities claimed some attendees were hooligans who instigated violence against law enforcement, leading to 452 reported injuries. The incident highlighted the deep divides in Romanian society regarding governance and reform, marking a significant moment in the national conversation around democracy and civil rights.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Richard Russell Hijacks Horizon Air Q400 Plane

August 10th, 2018 7 years ago

A Horizon Air employee, Richard Russell, hijacked a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, performing an unauthorized takeoff. After flying for over an hour, Richard crashed the plane on Ketron Island in Puget Sound. His actions raised concerns about airport security and mental health issues, as he made several statements during the flight that suggested he was struggling personally.

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Crime & Law

Philip Manshaus Attacks Mosque and Stepsister

August 10th, 2019 6 years ago

Philip Manshaus shot his stepsister at home before proceeding to the Al-Noor Islamic Centre in Bærum, Norway, intending to carry out a mass shooting. Shortly after the attack on his stepsister, he entered the mosque armed with multiple weapons. The quick response from mosque attendees managed to subdue him before he could inflict serious harm. Manshaus was later apprehended by police.

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Natural Disasters

Typhoon Lekima Strikes Zhejiang Coast

August 10th, 2019 6 years ago

Typhoon Lekima made landfall in Zhejiang, China, causing severe damage and widespread evacuations. The storm, which previously hit the Philippines, intensified before reaching the Chinese coast, resulting in the death of 32 people and the evacuation of approximately one million residents. Extensive flooding and landslides were reported, devastating infrastructure and impacting many communities. Efforts to mitigate damage and assist affected residents were initiated immediately.

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Natural Disasters

Derecho Devastates Iowa Region with Damaging Winds

August 10th, 2020 5 years ago

A derecho struck Iowa, causing extensive damage and economic losses. This powerful storm produced hurricane-force winds, uprooting trees and destroying crops across a wide area. The storm impacted over 14 million acres, leaving thousands without power and resulting in billions of dollars in damages. Emergency services were deployed to assist with recovery efforts following this unprecedented weather event.

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