2002Jun, 24
The Igandu train disaster in Tanzania kills 281, the worst train accident in African history.
The Igandu train disaster occurred during the early morning of June 24, 2002, in Tanzania. In one of the worst rail accidents in African history. A passenger train with over 1,200 people on board rolled backwards down a hill into a slow moving goods train, killing 281. The cause was brake failure, with unproven claims of sabotage.
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Events on 2002
- 16Jan
Osama bin Laden
The UN Security Council unanimously establishes an arms embargo and the freezing of assets of Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda, and the remaining members of the Taliban. - 4Apr
Angolan Civil War
The Angolan government and UNITA rebels sign a peace treaty ending the Angolan Civil War. - 14Apr
Hugo Chávez
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez returns to office two days after being ousted and arrested by the country's military. - 12May
Fidel Castro
Former US President Jimmy Carter arrives in Cuba for a five-day visit with Fidel Castro, becoming the first President of the United States, in or out of office, to visit the island since Castro's 1959 revolution. - 20Aug
Saddam Hussein
A group of Iraqis opposed to the regime of Saddam Hussein take over the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin, Germany for five hours before releasing their hostages and surrendering.