What Happened This Year 2004

Historical Events from This Year 2004

Accidents & Tragedies

Lion Air Flight 538 Runway Overrun Incident

November 30th, 2004 20 years ago

Lion Air Flight 538, an MD-82 aircraft, overran the runway while landing at Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The flight, carrying 148 people, lost control after landing during adverse weather conditions, resulting in the aircraft crashing and breaking into two parts. Unfortunately, 25 individuals lost their lives, and many others sustained injuries. The incident highlighted significant concerns regarding safety protocols and aircraft operations in Indonesia's aviation sector.

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Crime & Law

Shooting at Alrosa Villa Claims Four Lives

December 8th, 2004 20 years ago

Nathan Gale opened fire at the Alrosa Villa nightclub in Columbus, Ohio, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including Dimebag Darrell, a former guitarist for the heavy metal band Pantera. The incident occurred during a concert by the band Damageplan, of which Darrell was a founding member. Gale, who was reportedly a former Marine, stormed the stage and began shooting, prompting chaos in the packed venue. The police arrived swiftly and fatally shot Gale, but not before the tragic loss of life had taken place.

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Politics & Government

Establishment of South American Community of Nations

December 8th, 2004 20 years ago

The Cusco Declaration marked a significant step in regional integration, as leaders from several South American countries convened in Cusco, Peru. The declaration aimed to foster economic, political, and social cooperation across the continent, addressing common challenges and promoting development. This initiative was inspired by successful integration experiences in Europe and aimed to unify the diverse nations of South America under a common framework for collaboration.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Millau Viaduct Inauguration Near Millau

December 14th, 2004 20 years ago

The Millau Viaduct, celebrated as the tallest bridge in the world, was officially inaugurated near Millau, France. This remarkable structure, designed by architect Norman Foster and engineer Michel Virlogeux, stretches over the Tarn River valley and symbolizes modern engineering prowess. The inauguration event attracted significant attention, showcasing the viaduct's sleek design and impressive height of 343 meters (1,125 feet). It serves as a crucial transport link, improving connectivity and reducing travel times in the region.

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Entertainment

Cave Story Released to the Public

December 20th, 2004 20 years ago

Cave Story, an acclaimed indie game, was released by Daisuke 'Pixel' Amaya. This action-adventure platformer quickly gained popularity for its engaging gameplay and heartfelt storytelling. Players explore a mysterious cave filled with creatures and uncover its secrets while battling enemies. The game's 8-bit graphics and memorable soundtrack contributed to its charm. Initially available as a free download, it showcased the potential of indie games within the gaming community.

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Crime & Law

Massive Bank Heist in Belfast

December 20th, 2004 20 years ago

A group of criminals executed a sophisticated robbery at the Northern Bank, located at Donegall Square West in Belfast, stealing £26.5 million in cash. The heist was meticulously planned, involving a total of 12 individuals who took advantage of the bank's security vulnerabilities. The operation led to widespread media attention and raised serious concerns over bank security in Northern Ireland, showcasing how organized crime was adapting to modern security measures.

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Military & Warfare

Deadly Suicide Bombing at Mosul Airfield

December 21st, 2004 20 years ago

A suicide bomber targeted a forward operating base near Mosul, killing 22 American soldiers and injuring many others. This attack was noted as the deadliest of its kind against U.S. personnel in Iraq, exemplifying the intense challenges faced by U.S. forces during the Iraq War. The attack underscored the persistent threat of insurgent tactics as military operations transitioned into more complex urban warfare settings.

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Space Exploration

Huygens Probe Released by Cassini Orbiter

December 25th, 2004 20 years ago

The Cassini orbiter completed its mission on December 25, 2004, by successfully releasing the Huygens probe, which would later land on Titan, one of Saturn's moons. This moment marked a significant achievement in space exploration, enabling scientists to gather data about Titan's atmosphere and surface. The probe, developed by the European Space Agency, was designed to descend through Titan's thick atmosphere and make a soft landing, which it achieved on January 14, 2005. This event represented an international collaboration in scientific exploration.

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Politics & Government

Final Run-off Election for Ukrainian Presidency

December 26th, 2004 20 years ago

On December 26, 2004, Ukraine held a run-off presidential election, a pivotal moment following a month of protests known as the Orange Revolution. This election aimed to address widespread claims of electoral fraud in the initial round. With heavy international scrutiny from organizations like the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), voters showed a strong turnout, reflecting their desire for change. The primary candidates were Viktor Yushchenko, supported by the opposition, and Viktor Yanukovych, the incumbent prime minister. This election ultimately played a significant role in shaping Ukraine's political future and its relationship with Western nations.

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