Important Events From This day in History – 25 May

Today in History

• 2002 A China Airlines jumbo jet breaks apart in mid-air

  The Boeing 747 aircraft crashed into the Taiwan Strait, killing all 225 people on board. The accident was caused by improper repairs 22 years before, and the plane had flown far beyond the serviceable life recommended by Boeing in terms of the number of flights, total hours in the air, and years in service.

• 1979 American Airlines flight 191 crashes shortly after takeoff

  One of the most terrifying images in aviation history is of a lopsided DC-10 hurtling toward the ground at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. All 258 people on board were killed.

• 1979 Etan Patz disappears

  The disappearance and murder of a 6-year-old boy in New York City, as well as the widespread coverage it received, fueled the missing children’s movement.

• 1977 The first Star Wars film is released

  George Lucas’ epic space opera is one of the most popular works in movie history.

• 1963 32 African countries form a coalition against white rule

  The Organization of African Unity was established in order to promote decolonization and the abolition of white minority governments in Africa. In 2002, the OAU was succeeded by the African Union.