Big Global Events 2000-2012

  • Alaska Airlines Flight 261 crashes

    Alaska Flight 261 crashes into the the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of California, killing all 83 passengers and 5 crew.
  • Earthquake hits El Salvador

    A magnitude 6.6 Earthquake strikes El Salvador in Central America, killing at least 400 people.
  • US Army invades Afghanistan

    The US army invade Afghanistan, losing 15 and wounding 82 men while killing about 650 in the process.
  • Land mine kills 8

    A passenger bus hits a remote-controlled mine in Chechen, Russie, killing at least 8 people.
  • Tiananmen Square Massacre commemorated

    Thousands of Hong Kongers pay tribute to the Tiananmen Square Massacre's 15th Anniversary by taking to the streets.
  • Rocket fails 83 seconds after launch

    A Volna booster rocket carrying the first light sail spacecraft explodes 83 seconds after launch, causing an explosion, destroying the aircraft.
  • Italy win their fourth FIFA World Cup title

    Italy win their fourth FIFA World Cup title on penalties, defeating France 5-3 in the penalty shootout after extra was completed in a 1-1 draw.
  • Magnitude 8.0 earthquake strikes Peru

    A Magnitude 8.0 Earthquake strikes Peru, killing 512 people and leaving more than 1500 people homeless, while causing tsunami warnings in the Pacific ocean.
  • Dislodged boulders kill at least 90

    At least eight boulders dislodge from a cliff, killing at least 90 and burying about 500 people in Cairo, Egypt.
  • Astronomers discover 32 exoplanets

    European astronomers discover 32 new planets out of the Solar System.
  • Stampede during Khmer Water Festival kills 347

    A stampede during Khmer Water Festival in Phnom Penh, Cambodia kills 347 people.
  • Tropical Storm Washi causes trouble in the Philippines

    Tropical Storm Washi causes 1268 flas flood fatalities in the Philippines with 85 people listed missing in the process.
  • Opening day of the London 2012 Olympics

    Opening day of the London 2012 Summer Olympics is held in London, United Kingdom.