What Happened This Year 2005

Historical Events from This Year 2005

Crime & Law

Rigoberto Alpizar Shot by Federal Air Marshals

December 7th, 2005 19 years ago

Rigoberto Alpizar, a passenger on American Airlines Flight 924, was shot and killed by U.S. federal air marshals at Miami International Airport. The incident occurred after Alpizar allegedly claimed to have a bomb on board. Law enforcement was alerted, leading to the fatal shooting as he attempted to flee the scene. The situation escalated to deadly force when marshals believed there was an imminent threat to public safety.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 Crash Details

December 10th, 2005 19 years ago

Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crashed while attempting to land at Port Harcourt International Airport in Nigeria during a heavy rainstorm, resulting in the deaths of 108 people onboard. The flight was a domestic route from Abuja to Port Harcourt. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, struggled amidst challenging weather conditions and ultimately skidded off the runway, leading to a deadly fire that engulfed the plane.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Massive Fire Erupts at Buncefield Oil Depot

December 11th, 2005 19 years ago

A large explosion and fire triggered at the Buncefield Oil Depot in Hemel Hempstead, England, led to widespread damage and significant local evacuations. The incident, occurring early in the morning, resulted in a substantial plume of smoke visible for miles. The cause of the explosion was attributed to the overfilling of a storage tank, which ignited and caused a series of explosions. Emergency services responded rapidly to contain the fire and minimize casualties, although there were injuries reported among workers and emergency personnel.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Ethnic Violence and Riots in Cronulla

December 11th, 2005 19 years ago

In December 2005, Cronulla, New South Wales, witnessed large demonstrations by thousands of white Australians protesting against perceived ethnic violence. The protests escalated into a riot targeting individuals believed to be of Lebanese descent, leading to numerous confrontations and violent clashes. Initial demonstrations were fueled by outrage over incidents involving youth of Lebanese background on local beaches. These events prompted retaliatory attacks against the predominantly white community, culminating in a tense atmosphere marked by racial divides and social unrest.

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Military & Warfare

F-22 Raptor Joins USAF Active Service

December 15th, 2005 19 years ago

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor was officially inducted into active service with the United States Air Force. This advanced stealth fighter is designed for air dominance, supersonic cruise, and advanced avionics. The announcement occurred during a ceremony at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, signifying a major step in modernizing the US military's air capabilities. The F-22's unique design allows it to operate in contested environments and maintain superiority over adversaries.

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Politics & Government

Jigme Singye Wangchuck Abdicates Bhutans Throne

December 17th, 2005 19 years ago

Jigme Singye Wangchuck announced his abdication from the throne during a ceremony held in Thimphu, Bhutan. This decision was part of his commitment to ensure a smooth transition of power and enhance democratic governance in the kingdom. In his farewell address, he expressed gratitude for the support he received during his reign and outlined his vision for Bhutan's future development. His abdication marked a significant moment in Bhutanese history as it led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Protests Against WTO Meetings in Hong Kong

December 17th, 2005 19 years ago

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Wan Chai, Hong Kong, during the Sixth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO). They included farmers, trade unionists, and activists from various backgrounds who rallied against the perceived negative effects of global trade policies. The demonstrations escalated into riots with clashes between protesters and police, highlighting deep-seated frustrations about the global economy, poverty, and inequality.

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Military & Warfare

Chadian Civil War Erupts with Rebel Attack

December 18th, 2005 19 years ago

Rebel groups in Chad initiated their campaign by launching an attack in the town of Adré, allegedly receiving support from neighboring Sudan. The assault marked the beginning of a prolonged and violent conflict as the rebels sought to overthrow President Idriss Déby. The attack on Adré was strategically significant, given its proximity to the border with Sudan, which was implicated in aiding the rebel forces. With the government forces engaging in counter-attacks, the conflict quickly escalated, drawing attention from regional and international observers.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Chalk's Ocean Airways Flight 101 Crash Details

December 19th, 2005 19 years ago

Chalk's Ocean Airways Flight 101 crashed shortly after taking off from Miami Seaplane Base, plunging into the Government Cut channel. This tragic incident claimed the lives of 20 individuals on board. The seaplane, a Grumman G-73T Turbo Mallard, faced mechanical difficulties shortly after departure, leading to the fatal crash. The event raised questions about aviation safety and regulatory oversight for seaplane operations.

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