Historical Events tagged with "brazil"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Discovery of Josef Mengele's Remains in Brazil

June 6th, 1985 39 years ago

The grave of Wolfgang Gerhard in Embu, Brazil, was opened and the remains inside were exhumed. Genetic testing later confirmed that the remains belonged to Josef Mengele, a notorious figure associated with the Nazis during World War II, known as the 'Angel of Death' for his inhumane experiments at Auschwitz. Mengele had reportedly drowned in February 1979 while swimming, evading capture for years.

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Sports & Recreation

Jules Rimet Trophy Stolen from Brazilian Confederation

December 19th, 1983 41 years ago

In an audacious theft, the Jules Rimet Trophy, the original FIFA World Cup trophy, was stolen from the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation in Rio de Janeiro. The trophy was taken during a heist that saw thieves break into the confederation's building, leading to an intense investigation. As the trophy held great significance in the world of football, its disappearance garnered widespread media attention and raised questions about security measures in place for sports artifacts.

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Accidents & Tragedies

VASP Flight 168 crashes in Brazil

June 8th, 1982 42 years ago

VASP Flight 168, a passenger flight, crashed in Pacatuba, Ceará, Brazil, during its approach to Fortaleza. The aircraft, a Boeing 727, encountered severe weather conditions compounded by navigational issues, leading to the tragedy. All 128 people on board, including crew and passengers, perished. The crash is remembered for its significant loss of life and raised awareness about flight safety in Brazil. It highlighted the importance of improved weather reporting and navigation protocols to prevent similar occurrences.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Transbrasil Flight 303 Boeing 727 Crash

April 12th, 1980 44 years ago

Transbrasil Flight 303, a Boeing 727-200, crashed while attempting to land at Hercílio Luz International Airport in Florianópolis, Brazil. Out of the 58 individuals on board, 55 lost their lives. Weather conditions, specifically a thunderstorm, severely impacted visibility and contributed to the accident. This tragedy remains one of Brazil's deadliest aviation incidents.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Tragic Fire at Joelma Building in São Paulo

February 1st, 1974 51 years ago

A devastating fire broke out in the 25-story Joelma Building in São Paulo, Brazil, resulting in the deaths of 189 individuals and injuries to 293 others. The fire, which started on the 12th floor of the building, quickly engulfed upper levels, trapping many inside. Rescue operations were hampered by thick smoke and the building's design, leading to a complex evacuation process. The incident highlighted significant flaws in fire safety regulations and building codes at the time.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Varig Flight 820 Crash Near Orly Airport

July 11th, 1973 51 years ago

Varig Flight 820, a Boeing 707-320, crashed while approaching Orly Airport, Paris, killing 123 of the 134 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft encountered difficulty due to smoke in the cockpit and potential structural failure, leading to a rapid descent into a residential area. The subsequent investigations revealed critical issues relating to safety protocols and prompted significant changes in aviation regulations, especially concerning cabin smoking and in-flight safety measures.

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Sports & Recreation

Pelé Achieves Milestone with 1,000th Goal

November 19th, 1969 55 years ago

Pelé, the legendary Brazilian footballer, scored his 1,000th career goal in a match for the New York Cosmos against the Cocodrilos in an exhibition game. The milestone took place at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, a venue synonymous with his spectacular career. To celebrate the historic event, Pelé was honored with a ceremonial event and received a special ball marking his achievement. This goal was significant not only for Pelé personally but also for the sport of football, elevating its profile in the United States.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Lamarca's Urban Guerrilla Bank Heist

May 9th, 1969 55 years ago

Carlos Lamarca led a group of urban guerrillas in São Paulo, robbing two banks as a statement against the military dictatorship in Brazil. This action marked a significant moment in the fight against the regime, symbolizing a rise in militant resistance during a period dominated by oppression and censorship. The heist aimed not only to obtain funds for revolutionary activities but also to galvanize public sentiment against the authoritarian government.

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Politics & Government

Carlos Lamarca's Defection from Brazilian Army

January 25th, 1969 56 years ago

In a bold act of defiance, Captain Carlos Lamarca deserted the Brazilian Army, taking with him ten machine guns and 63 rifles. Disillusioned by the oppressive military dictatorship, Lamarca sought to fight against the regime's injustices. His departure marked the beginning of a significant guerrilla campaign against the authoritarian government and inspired many to join the resistance.

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