Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 31 December, throughout history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.
ON THIS DAY: 31 DECEMBER
2015 | Sixteen injuries were reported when a huge fire broke out at the Downtown Address Hotel in Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates located near the Burj Khalifa just hours prior to the fireworks display was due to commence.
2014 | A New Year’s Eve celebration stampede in Shanghai killed dozens of people and injured 49 others.
2004 | The world’s tallest skyscraper Taipei 101 at that time was officially opened in Taipei Taiwan, standing at a height of 509 metres (1 670 ft).
1999 | Boris Yeltsin resigned as president of Russia and the first President of Russia to resign, He leaves Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as the acting President and successor.
1986 | On this day, 97 people were reported dead and 140 injured by the fire set by three employees at the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan.
ALSO READ: What happened on 30 December?
ON THIS DAY: DEATHS
2009 | Irish politician, surgeon and journalist, Justin Keating, 79.
2002 | American guitarist, songwriter, and producer, Kevin MacMichael, 51.
2015 | American actress, Beth Howland.
2013 | American movie actor who appeared in television series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, James Avery, 68.
BIRTHDAYS
1953 | American movie actress and singer, Jane Badler.
1976 | British cricketer, Matthew Hoggard.
1984 | Mexican footballer, ÿdgar Lugo.
1979 | American politician and lawyer, Jeff Waldstreicher.
1941 | Scottish and former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.
SPORTS
1932 | Bill Shankly, former Liverpool’s manager on this day he made his first appearance in the Football League for Carlisle United.
ENTERTAINMENT
1963 | For the first time “Dear Abby show” premiered on CBS radio on this day.
AFRICA FACT
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro Côte d’Ivoire is listed among the world’s largest churches with an exterior area of 30 000m2.
