What Happened This Year 1986

Historical Events from This Year 1986

Crime & Law

Car Bomb Attack Outside Police Headquarters

March 27th, 1986 39 years ago

A car bomb exploded outside the Russell Street Police Headquarters in Melbourne, Australia, killing one police officer and injuring 21 individuals. The attack was considered a significant act of violence, believed to be linked to organized crime factions operating in the area. Responding authorities emphasized the devastating impact of such acts on community safety and the rule of law.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Mexicana de Aviación Flight 940 Tragedy

March 31st, 1986 39 years ago

Mexicana de Aviación Flight 940 crashed into the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range near Maravatío, Mexico, resulting in the deaths of 167 passengers and crew members. The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control during its approach to Mexico City. Search and rescue teams faced challenges due to the remote and rugged terrain surrounding the crash site. The event marked one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Mexican history.

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Politics & Government

Police Stations Attacked in Kathmandu

April 1st, 1986 39 years ago

Cadres from the Communist Party of Nepal (Mashal) initiated a series of coordinated attacks on multiple police stations in Kathmandu. The assaults aimed to incite a popular rebellion against the ruling government, reflecting the rising tensions and demands for political change within the nation. This provocation marked a significant moment in the political unrest of Nepal, highlighting the escalating struggle between government forces and communist factions seeking to establish a more radical movement.

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Politics & Government

George Wallace Announces Retirement from Politics

April 2nd, 1986 39 years ago

George Wallace, the former Alabama governor known for his staunch segregationist policies, announced he would not seek a fifth term and would retire from public life upon the conclusion of his current term in January 1987. This decision marked a significant shift in the political landscape of Alabama, as Wallace had been a central figure in the state’s governance and a prominent voice in the fight against desegregation, famously standing in the schoolhouse door in 1963 to block African American students from entering the University of Alabama.

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Crime & Law

FBI Miami Shootout: A Daylight Gun Battle

April 11th, 1986 39 years ago

In Dade County, Florida, a gun battle erupted between two bank robbers and FBI agents pursuing them. The shootout resulted in the deaths of FBI agents Jerry L. Dove and Benjamin P. Grogan, with five other agents wounded during the intense confrontation. This dramatic event not only showcased the dangers faced by law enforcement but also led to the development of the popular .40 S&W cartridge.

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Natural Disasters

Deadly Hailstorm in Gopalganj District

April 14th, 1986 39 years ago

In Gopalganj, Bangladesh, enormous hailstones weighing up to 1 kilogram fell from the sky, leading to significant destruction and loss of life. This rare meteorological phenomenon struck the area unexpectedly, wreaking havoc on the local population and infrastructure. The storm caused fatalities, with 92 recorded deaths, and numerous injuries among those caught outdoors or in inadequately protected structures.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Bombing Raids Target Libya

April 15th, 1986 39 years ago

The United States conducted Operation El Dorado Canyon, a series of air strikes targeting Libyan sites. This military action was a response to a bombing at a West Berlin discotheque which killed two American servicemen and wounded others. The operation involved bombers launching precision attacks on sites identified as linked to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's support for terrorism. The raids were a demonstration of U.S. resolve against perceived threats to its citizens abroad.

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Politics & Government

End of a 335-Year Alleged War

April 17th, 1986 39 years ago

A peace declaration concluded the supposed war between the Netherlands and the Isles of Scilly, which had been ongoing for 335 years. The humorous reality behind this 'war' stemmed from a lack of formal peace treaty rather than active hostility. The ceremony took place at the Scillies, symbolizing an end to any hypothetical conflict that may be recognized legally.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Explosion

April 26th, 1986 39 years ago

A catastrophic explosion at Reactor No. 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant released large quantities of radioactive particles into the atmosphere, leading to widespread environmental contamination. The incident occurred during a late-night safety test that went wrong, exacerbated by design flaws and operator errors. The resulting fire burned for ten days, impacting not only Ukraine but also neighboring countries. Evacuations were initiated, and the area surrounding the plant became heavily restricted, giving rise to long-term health and ecological challenges.

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