What Happened This Year 1979

Historical Events from This Year 1979

Accidents & Tragedies

Pakistan International Airlines Flight 740 Crash

November 26th, 1979 45 years ago

Pakistan International Airlines Flight 740, a scheduled passenger flight, tragically crashed near Taif in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia, killing all 156 individuals on board. The aircraft was a Boeing 707-340B and had encountered adverse weather conditions, leading to a loss of control shortly before its intended landing. The crash occurred as it approached Taif Airport, an area known for its challenging weather patterns due to nearby mountains.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Air New Zealand DC-10 Crashes into Mount Erebus

November 28th, 1979 45 years ago

Air New Zealand Flight 901 was a sightseeing flight over Antarctica that tragically crashed into Mount Erebus, killing all 257 people on board. On this flight, travelers were treated to stunning views of the Antarctic landscape, but the flight ended in disaster as poor visibility and a miscommunication with air traffic control led to the catastrophic collision. The aircraft was on a route that took it near the active volcano, and navigation errors resulted in it descending too low, ultimately leading to the fatal impact.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Tragic Crush at The Who Concert in Cincinnati

December 3rd, 1979 45 years ago

During a concert by The Who at Riverfront Coliseum, a severe crush occurred outside the venue as fans scrambled for entry. The rush led to the tragic suffocation of 11 individuals, highlighting issues surrounding crowd management and safety protocols at large events. Several other concert-goers were injured, and the chaos ensued moments before the band was scheduled to perform.

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Politics & Government

Ayatollah Khomeini Becomes Iran's Supreme Leader

December 3rd, 1979 45 years ago

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was declared the first Supreme Leader of Iran following the Iranian Revolution. This declaration came as Iran transitioned from monarchy to an Islamic Republic, signifying a monumental shift in governance. Khomeini's leadership marked the culmination of a year-long popular uprising against the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who had been ousted. Khomeini's return to Iran from exile and his establishment of theocratic rule significantly altered the political landscape of Iran and influenced many aspects of daily life.

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Crime & Law

Hastie Fire Leads to Arrest of Bruce Lee

December 4th, 1979 45 years ago

A tragic fire at a Hull school killed three boys and led to the arrest of Bruce George Peter Lee. The fire occurred in the playground, sparking a massive police investigation. Initial reports suggested it was an accident, but subsequent evidence pointed to foul play as Lee's involvement became apparent.

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Health & Medicine

Smallpox Virus Eradicated Worldwide

December 9th, 1979 45 years ago

The World Health Organization certified the eradication of smallpox, making it the first human disease eliminated through vaccination efforts. The last natural case occurred in Somalia in 1977, and intense global vaccination campaigns led to this milestone. The successful eradication underscored the effectiveness of public health initiatives, demonstrating how coordinated international efforts can lead to the complete elimination of a disease.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

KMT Suppresses Taiwanese Pro-Democracy Rally

December 10th, 1979 45 years ago

Pro-democracy demonstrations erupted in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 1979, led by activists calling for political reform. The rally, which sought to mark Human Rights Day, was intended to bring attention to the oppressive regime of the Kuomintang (KMT) government, advocating for democracy and civil liberties. As the peaceful protests gathered momentum, authorities intervened violently, leading to clashes and arrests. Many organizers, including prominent figures, faced severe repercussions as the government aimed to silence dissent and maintain its grip on power.

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Politics & Government

Coup d'état of December Twelfth in South Korea

December 12th, 1979 45 years ago

The Coup d'état of December Twelfth was a pivotal event that occurred when General Chun Doo-hwan seized power through a military coup. This coup took place amid the backdrop of political instability and civil unrest in South Korea following the assassination of President Park Chung-hee's chief aide. Chun, alongside other military officers, orchestrated a swift takeover in the capital, Seoul, consolidating control over the government and effectively sidelining civilian political leadership. The coup led to significant shifts in Korean politics, setting the stage for Chun's subsequent presidency and the establishment of martial law.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating Tumaco Earthquake and Tsunami Hits

December 12th, 1979 45 years ago

An undersea earthquake of 8.2 Mw struck near Tumaco, Colombia, with its epicenter located in the Pacific Ocean. With a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), the earthquake resulted in significant destruction, killing an estimated 300 to 600 people. The seismic event also generated a large tsunami that impacted coastal regions in both Colombia and Ecuador, displacing numerous residents and causing widespread damage to infrastructure. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of the region to seismic activities and the need for better preparedness.

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