What Happened This Year 1985
Historical Events from This Year 1985
Iberia Flight 610 Crashes on Mount Oiz
A Boeing 727 operating as Iberia Flight 610 crashed into Mount Oiz in Spain, resulting in the loss of 148 lives. The flight was en route to Madrid from Bilbao when it encountered severe weather conditions, leading to the tragic accident. This incident marked the deadliest in Iberia's history and in the Basque Country, highlighting the challenges of aerial navigation in mountainous terrain during adverse weather.
Continue ReadingFirst Artificial Heart Patient Discharged from Hospital
William J. Schroeder became the first person to leave a hospital after receiving an artificial heart. The groundbreaking procedure was performed by Dr. Barney Clark in 1982 on a different patient, but Schroeder became the first to walk out after the transplant. He had received the Jarvik-7 heart, which was developed by Dr. Robert Jarvik. His discharge from the hospital garnered significant media attention and marked an important milestone in medical history, providing hope for future advancements in heart surgery and artificial organs.
Continue ReadingIRA Mortar Attack on RUC in Newry
Members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) launched a mortar attack on the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) police station in Newry, Northern Ireland, resulting in the deaths of nine police officers. The assault was part of the ongoing conflict between Irish republicans and British security forces, motivated by the IRA's goal of ending British rule in Northern Ireland. This incident marked one of the deadliest attacks against security forces during the Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland that spanned several decades.
Continue ReadingMassive Earthquake Devastates Valparaíso Region
A magnitude 8.3 earthquake struck the Valparaíso Region of Chile, resulting in widespread destruction. The earthquake killed 177 people and left nearly a million homeless. Buildings collapsed, infrastructure was severely damaged, and emergency services faced immense challenges in the aftermath. The quake's epicenter was located off the coast, about 77 kilometers northwest of Santiago, causing panic across a large area. Its powerful tremors were felt far beyond the immediate vicinity, affecting neighboring regions and prompting national and international relief efforts.
Continue ReadingFDA Approves Blood Test for HIV Screening
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a series of blood tests for the detection of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in March 1985. This pivotal decision came amid growing concern regarding the transmission of HIV through blood transfusions, particularly as cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) surged across the United States. The tests enabled hospitals and blood banks to screen donations effectively, thereby making significant strides in public health safety. As a result, the testing became a mandatory practice for all blood donations nationwide, showcasing the FDA's commitment to enhancing blood safety and managing the evolving challenges posed by infectious diseases.
Continue ReadingFailed Assassination Attempt on Cleric Fadlallah
An assassination attempt targeting Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah in Beirut led to an explosion that resulted in the deaths of 80 individuals and left around 200 others injured. The attack took place outside a mosque during a period of intense sectarian conflict in Lebanon, raising tensions and fears of escalating violence. Fadlallah, a prominent Shiite cleric, was known for his influence within the community, and the attack was believed to be politically motivated.
Continue ReadingMikhail Gorbachev Becomes General Secretary
Mikhail Gorbachev was elected General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, marking a pivotal shift in Soviet leadership. His election signaled a departure from the earlier rigid policies of his predecessors. Gorbachev's approach emphasized reforms such as glasnost and perestroika, which aimed at increasing transparency and restructuring the economy. This decision was made during a critical period of economic stagnation and growing discontent among Soviet citizens, positioning him as a transformative leader.
Continue ReadingTerry Anderson Kidnapped in Beirut
Terry Anderson, a journalist for the Associated Press, was abducted in Beirut while covering the Lebanese civil war. His kidnapping occurred amidst a climate of instability and violence in Lebanon, as various factions vied for control. Anderson became one of the longest-held Western hostages in Lebanon, spending more than six years in captivity before his release in December 1991. This incident underscored the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones.
Continue ReadingRichard Ramirez Begins His Night Stalker Murders
In Los Angeles, Richard Ramirez, branding himself as the 'Night Stalker', committed his first two murders during a violent crime spree that would terrorize the city. His method was characterized by extreme brutality, breaking into homes in the night, attacking his victims with a variety of weapons, and often leaving disturbing messages behind. He targeted both men and women, suggesting a pattern of indiscriminate violence. The police were initially baffled, as Ramirez evaded capture by changing his appearance and tactics frequently.
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