On this day: April 15
The 1966 Tanganyika School Sickness: an early documented mass psychogenic illness
In April 1966, at a secondary school in Tanganyika (now Tanzania), dozens of students developed fainting, crying and trance-like symptoms over days; clinicians later identified the outbreak as mass psychogenic illness rather than an infectious disease.
Closing Ceremonies Mark End of the First Modern Olympic Games in Athens
On 15 April 1896 the inaugural modern Olympic Games concluded in Athens, capping a nine-day program of athletics, gymnastics, wrestling and other events that revived the ancient festival under international organization.
Ray Kroc Opens the First McDonald’s Franchise, April 15, 1955
On April 15, 1955, Ray Kroc opened the first McDonald’s franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois, marking the start of what became a global fast-food chain built on a standardized menu, assembly-line kitchen methods, and aggressive franchising.
RMS Titanic Declared a Total Loss After Iceberg Strike
On the night of April 14–15, 1912, the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic; in the aftermath the ship was officially declared a total loss as salvage was impossible and lives were lost.
The First Modern Shopping Mall Opens in 1956
On April 15, 1956, Southdale Center in Edina, Minnesota, opened as the first fully enclosed, climate-controlled shopping mall designed by architect Victor Gruen, setting a model for suburban retail development in the United States.
Boston Marathon bombing shocks the world
On April 15, 2013, two pressure-cooker bombs detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring hundreds, while prompting a nationwide manhunt and renewed focus on public safety at mass events.
Hillsborough Stadium Disaster: 97 Fans Dead at FA Cup Semi-final
On 15 April 1989, a crush in the Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest FA Cup semi-final at Sheffield’s Hillsborough Stadium resulted in the deaths of 97 football supporters and hundreds injured, triggering major inquiries and lasting changes to British stadium safety.
Hillsborough disaster: 97 fans die after crush at Sheffield match
On 15 April 1989 a human crush at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Sheffield’s Hillsborough Stadium led to the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters and hundreds injured in one of Britain’s worst sporting disasters.