What Happened This Year 2008

Historical Events from This Year 2008

Transportation & Infrastructure

Major Fire Incident in Channel Tunnel Freight Train

September 11th, 2008 16 years ago

A significant fire broke out on a freight train traveling through the Channel Tunnel, leading to extensive damage and a major disruption of services. The incident occurred in the French section of the tunnel, prompting immediate emergency response measures. Firefighters and emergency crews worked tirelessly to control the flames and ensure safety within the tunnel. Ultimately, the fire led to the closure of part of the tunnel for a prolonged period, impacting transcontinental rail operations between the UK and mainland Europe.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Chatsworth Train Collision Claims 25 Lives

September 12th, 2008 16 years ago

A collision occurred between a Metrolink commuter train and a Union Pacific freight train in Chatsworth, Los Angeles. The impact resulted in 25 fatalities and left over 100 people injured. The commuter train was traveling from Ventura County to Los Angeles when it collided with the freight train at a signal-controlled intersection. Investigations revealed that the Metrolink engineer was texting at the time, contributing to the inability to stop before the crash.

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Crime & Law

Series of Bomb Blasts Rock Delhi's Markets

September 13th, 2008 16 years ago

A coordinated series of bomb blasts occurred in various bustling markets across Delhi, India, resulting in significant casualties. Initiated during the peak shopping hours in the crowded areas, the explosions led to a tragic toll of 30 individuals confirmed dead and over 130 injured. Emergency services rushed to the scenes to assist those wounded and to conduct further investigations into the attacks, which were attributed to a terrorist group seeking to create chaos in a heavily populated urban landscape.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Aeroflot Flight 821 Crashes Near Perm

September 14th, 2008 16 years ago

Aeroflot Flight 821, a Boeing 737-500, crashed while approaching Perm International Airport in Russia. The aircraft, carrying 88 individuals, lost contact with air traffic control and went down, striking a section of the Trans-Siberian Railway. This incident occurred in challenging weather conditions, and all on board were killed. The tragedy underscored the importance of air safety and led to investigations into the causes of the accident and the pilot's decisions.

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Economics & Industry

Lehman Brothers files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

September 15th, 2008 16 years ago

Lehman Brothers, a major global financial services firm, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New York, marking the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history. The firm faced severe liquidity issues due to its high exposure to subprime mortgages and the collapsing housing market. The filing, which took place on September 15, created immediate turmoil in the global financial markets, leading to a crisis that would affect economies worldwide. The collapse was a pivotal moment in the financial crisis of 2008.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Learjet 60 Crash Involving Travis Barker

September 19th, 2008 16 years ago

A Learjet 60 aircraft, carrying musicians Travis Barker and Adam Goldstein, attempted a takeoff from Colombia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina, but crashed after a rejected takeoff. The crash resulted in the deaths of four of the six individuals on board, while Barker and Goldstein miraculously survived with injuries. The aircraft's attempt to take off ended in tragedy, highlighting the risks associated with air travel for high-profile individuals.

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Crime & Law

Explosives Detonate Near Islamabad Marriott

September 20th, 2008 16 years ago

A massive explosion ripped through a busy area in Islamabad when a dump truck filled with explosives detonated in front of the Marriott hotel. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of 54 lives and left 266 others injured. The attack targeted a prominent location frequented by both locals and foreigners, raising alarm about security in the capital. The motive behind the bombing appeared to be linked to ongoing conflicts involving militant groups in Pakistan at the time.

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Crime & Law

Matti Saari's deadly school shooting in Finland

September 23rd, 2008 16 years ago

Matti Saari opened fire at a vocational school in Kauhajoki, Finland, claiming ten lives before taking his own life. The shooting began in the school's cafeteria, where Saari, armed with a handgun, indiscriminately shot students and staff. Saari had previously shown signs of distress and had made threats, leading to a police investigation prior to the incident. The tragic event highlighted issues surrounding mental health and gun regulation in Finland.

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Politics & Government

Thabo Mbeki's Resignation as President

September 24th, 2008 16 years ago

Thabo Mbeki resigned as President of South Africa following a leadership challenge. His resignation was prompted by political tensions within the African National Congress, specifically after he was ousted as the party's candidate for the presidency in the following election. This shift came amidst mounting pressure from the party's new leadership under Jacob Zuma, who had been Mbeki's rival. The resignation sparked a significant transition in South African politics.

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