On this day: September 18

Referee Knocked Out by Thrown Beer Bottle at English Non‑League Match

On 18 September 1999 a football referee was struck and knocked unconscious by a beer bottle thrown from the crowd during a lower‑league English match, prompting police investigations and renewed calls for stricter stewarding and alcohol controls at games.

Fire at King’s Cross Underground station kills 31

A catastrophic fire broke out at King’s Cross Underground station on September 18, killing 31 people and injuring many more. The blaze, which began in the evening, destroyed parts of the station and prompted major safety reviews across the London Underground.

South Korean military moves into streets amid September 1980 democracy protests

In mid-September 1980, South Korean authorities deployed troops to suppress widespread pro-democracy demonstrations following political turmoil earlier that year; the intervention intensified a national crackdown on dissent and reshaped the country’s transition under military-dominated rule.

Fire at King’s Cross Underground station kills 31

On 18 September 1987 a fire at King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground station in London spread along a wooden escalator and into the ticket hall, killing 31 people and injuring many others; the disaster led to major changes in London Underground safety and station design.