May 8

In 2021, a devastating car bombing in front of a Kabul school, Afghanistan's capital, tragically claimed the lives of at least 55 individuals and left over 150 wounded. This horrific act underscores the ongoing violence in the region and its impact on innocent civilians.

In 2019, British teenager Isabelle Holdaway, aged 17, made history as the first patient to receive groundbreaking genetically modified phage therapy for a drug-resistant infection. This innovative treatment represents a significant advancement in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

In 1997, China Southern Airlines Flight 3456 tragically crashed while approaching Bao'an International Airport, resulting in the loss of 35 lives. Discover the details and impact of this devastating aviation incident.

In 1988, a significant fire at Illinois Bell's Hinsdale Central Office led to a prolonged outage of the 1AESS network, marking it as one of the most catastrophic events in the history of the U.S. telecommunications industry. This incident is often referred to as the "worst telecommunications disaster" in the sector, highlighting its impact on communication services across the nation.

In 1987, an ambush by the SAS in Loughgall, Northern Ireland, resulted in the deaths of eight Provisional Irish Republican Army volunteers and one civilian. This pivotal incident remains a significant moment in the history of the Northern Ireland conflict.

In 1984, the Thames Barrier was officially inaugurated, providing essential flood protection for the majority of Greater London. This remarkable engineering feat safeguards the floodplain from inundation, ensuring safety for residents and infrastructure during extreme weather events.

In 1984, the USSR initiated a boycott of the Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles, a move later supported by 14 additional countries. This significant event impacted the global sports landscape and highlighted political tensions of the era.

In 1984, Corporal Denis Lortie stormed the Quebec National Assembly, tragically opening fire and resulting in the deaths of three individuals while injuring 13 others. René Jalbert, the Assembly's Sergeant-at-Arms, heroically intervened to subdue Lortie, earning him the prestigious Cross of Valour for his bravery during this harrowing incident.

In 1980, the World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated, marking a significant milestone in global public health. This monumental achievement highlights the success of vaccination efforts and the continuous fight against infectious diseases.

In 1978, Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler achieved a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first climbers to successfully summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. This historic ascent marked a significant milestone in mountaineering, showcasing exceptional skill and endurance in extreme conditions.