What Happened This Year 1988

Historical Events from This Year 1988

Accidents & Tragedies

Massive Explosion at PEPCON Facility

May 4th, 1988 36 years ago

A significant fire at the PEPCON plant in Henderson, Nevada, led to a catastrophic explosion that resulted in the detonation of large quantities of propellant materials intended for the Space Shuttle program. The incident occurred during a fire caused by an accident within the facility, which manufactured ammonium perchlorate for rocket propellants. The explosion was felt up to 20 miles away, causing extensive damage to nearby buildings and injuring several individuals. The scale of the explosion and its implications highlighted the dangers associated with manufacturing and handling explosive materials.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Widerøe Flight 710 Crashes into Mt. Torghatten

May 6th, 1988 36 years ago

Widerøe Flight 710, a Norwegian commuter flight, crashed into Mt. Torghatten in Brønnøy, Norway, claiming the lives of all 36 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft, a Dash 7 twin-engine turboprop, was en route from Bodø to Brønnøysund when it encountered difficulties. The crash occurred just moments before landing, as the crew attempted to navigate through challenging weather conditions. This tragic incident highlighted the risks associated with flying in mountainous regions, particularly during adverse weather.

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Technology & Innovation

Illinois Bell's Telecommunications Network Outage

May 8th, 1988 36 years ago

A significant fire at Illinois Bell's Hinsdale Central Office caused a vast telecommunications network outage that impacted millions of customers across multiple states. The fire disrupted services from Illinois to other states, including parts of Indiana and Wisconsin. The incident was attributed to a failure in an electrical panel, resulting in extensive damage to the central office equipment and leading to the classification of this outage as one of the worst telecommunications failures in U.S. history.

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Politics & Government

Inauguration of New Parliament House, Canberra

May 9th, 1988 36 years ago

The New Parliament House in Canberra was officially opened, marking a significant architectural and political milestone for Australia. Located on Capital Hill, the opening ceremony included a large gathering of dignitaries and officials. Prime Minister Bob Hawke played a pivotal role in the proceedings. The unique design of the building, created by architect Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp, incorporates a grass-covered roof that encourages a sense of openness and connection with the surrounding landscape.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Carrollton Bus Collision Claims 27 Lives

May 14th, 1988 36 years ago

A wrong-way drunk driver collided with a church bus near Carrollton, Kentucky, resulting in a catastrophic crash and fire that claimed 27 lives. The bus was transporting a youth group when the collision occurred on Interstate 71. The tragedy highlighted issues related to highway safety and impaired driving.

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Military & Warfare

Soviet Army Withdraws from Afghanistan

May 15th, 1988 36 years ago

The Soviet Army began withdrawing its 115,000 soldiers from Afghanistan in a significant military operation that marked the end of a prolonged conflict. Amid increasing guerrilla resistance and international pressure, the Soviet leadership decided to scale back its military presence in the country. This withdrawal, initiated under General Boris Gromov's command, was part of a larger Soviet shift in foreign policy as the Cold War tensions began to ease.

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Health & Medicine

Surgeon General declares nicotine addiction parallels

May 16th, 1988 36 years ago

In a landmark report, Surgeon General C. Everett Koop presented findings illustrating the addictive nature of nicotine, drawing parallels to heroin and cocaine. This assertion was aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and the compelling nature of nicotine dependence. Released during a period of increasing anti-smoking initiatives, the report signified a pivotal shift in public health messaging, alarming both the public and policymakers about the physiological and psychological grips of tobacco addiction. The report was intended to foster greater understanding and awareness of addiction to tobacco, advocating for stronger regulations and interventions.

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Politics & Government

Thatcher's Sermon on the Mound Address

May 21st, 1988 36 years ago

Margaret Thatcher delivered a sermon at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, addressing economic and moral issues while evoking mixed reactions from attendees. Her controversial remarks sparked debate about the intersection of faith and politics, as she emphasized the role of Christianity in guiding societal values.

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Politics & Government

Controversial Enactment of Section 28

May 24th, 1988 36 years ago

Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 was enacted, prohibiting local authorities in the UK from promoting homosexuality. The provision emerged amidst growing tensions regarding LGBTQ+ rights in Britain, reflecting a wider societal reluctance to acknowledge and support sexual diversity. The amendment sparked widespread protests and debates, mobilizing various advocacy groups who saw it as a direct attack on LGBTQ+ rights. The law took effect against a backdrop of increasing visibility for gay rights organizations and was seen as a setback in the fight for equality.

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