Over 1,400 People Trampled To Death In Mecca
On July 2, 1990, tragedy struck at the pedestrian tunnel in Mecca during the Hajj pilgrimage. A stampede in the overcrowded tunnel leading to holy sites resulted in the deaths of 1,426 pilgrims, many of whom were Malaysians, Indonesians, and Pakistanis. This incident stands as the deadliest Hajj tragedy of modern times.
Mecca has witnessed several such incidents before and after the 1990 disaster. The Hajj pilgrimage draws millions of Muslims annually to Mecca, as it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and mandatory for every able follower to perform at least once in their lifetime. The massive influx of pilgrims poses significant challenges for crowd control during this crucial event.
Hitler Orders the Invasion of England
Although there had been prior discussions, on July 2, 1940, Adolf Hitler officially ordered intelligence assessments to be prepared and planned to commence an operation to invade England. The operation was codenamed Sea Lion. Days later, in further instructions, Hitler expressed his frustration with England's refusal to seek an agreement with his country and its continued role as a primary base for operations against Germany.
Hitler aimed to exploit the challenges faced by the British military to launch a swift attack, intending to weaken the country into submission. This plan included the possibility of a landing operation and to completely occupy England if necessary.
Other key events on this day
1. US President James A. Garfield shot - 1881
2. Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan disappeared while flying over the Pacific Ocean en route to Howland Island - 1937
3. 16 people killed and 200 injured in protest clashes at Cairo University against Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi - 2013
4. BP agreed to compensate US government and gulf states with $18.7 billion for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill - 2015
5. Donald Trump proposed to Marla Maples and gave her a 7.5 carat diamond ring - 1991
6. President Johnson signed the historic Civil Rights Act - 1964
7. Currency banknotes ₦1, ₦5, and ₦10 were introduced in Nigeria - 1979.
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