On this day: August 2

Nicaraguan man declared dead wakes in body bag after ambulance pronouncement

On August 2, 2014, Nicaraguan man Edgard Alexis reportedly regained consciousness while inside a body bag after being declared dead by paramedics; he later described feeling cold and then squeezing his hand to get attention. Authorities and media accounts noted procedural questions about the pronouncement and handling of the patient.

NASA Presents Strong Evidence of Liquid Water on Mars

NASA announced on August 2, 2018, that data indicate the intermittent presence of liquid water on modern Mars in the form of recurring slope lineae—seasonal dark streaks—supporting the idea that briny flows occur on slopes during warm months.

Man Walks Away Uninjured After Small Plane Crash

On August 2, 2005, a single-engine light aircraft crashed during a landing attempt; the pilot survived without serious injury and left the wreckage on foot. Authorities later investigated but reported no life-threatening injuries at the scene.

Swimmer Disqualified at 2009 World Championships over Illegal Suit

At the World Championships on August 2, 2009, a swimmer was disqualified for wearing a swimsuit that breached FINA regulations introduced that year; the decision reflected growing enforcement of new suit rules after the high-tech suit era.

Iraq Invades Kuwait, Sparking the 1990–91 Gulf War

On August 2, 1990, Iraqi forces under President Saddam Hussein invaded and occupied Kuwait, prompting international condemnation, a U.N. arms embargo and the formation of a U.S.-led coalition that would expel Iraqi troops in the 1991 Gulf War.