1989⚡ Event
Marchioness disaster
The pleasure boat Marchioness sank on the River Thames in London after colliding with the dredger Bowbelle. Fifty-one people lost their lives in the incident.
disaster
What Happened on August 20?
Discover 15 historical moments on August 20 — 5 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
sportspoliticsdisasterliteratureentertainmenttechnologywarlaw
Hero image inspired by: Dredging
Historical Events on August 20(5)
1989⚡ Event
O-Bahn Busway completed
The final stage of the O-Bahn Busway in Adelaide, South Australia, was completed. This marked the end of the world's longest and fastest guided busway at the time.
technology
1998⚡ Event
Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory destroyed
The Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory in Sudan was destroyed by a U.S. missile strike. This was in retaliation for the August 7 U.S. embassy bombings.
warpolitics
2008⚡ Event
Spanair Flight 5022 crash
Spanair Flight 5022 crashed shortly after takeoff from Madrid's Barajas Airport. The accident resulted in the deaths of 154 people.
disaster
2018⚡ Event
Silent Sam toppled
Silent Sam, a Confederate monument at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was toppled by protestors. The monument had been a point of controversy.
politics
Famous Birthdays on August 20(5)
Notable Deaths on August 20(5)
2018🕊️ Death
Uri Avnery
Uri Avnery was an Israeli writer, politician, and peace activist.
politicsliterature
2021🕊️ Death
Igor Vovkovinskiy
Igor Vovkovinskiy was a Ukrainian-American law student, actor, and was known as America's tallest person.
lawentertainment
August 20 in History
August 20 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1989 to the present day.
Major Events on August 20
Among the most notable events on August 20: Marchioness disaster (1989), O-Bahn Busway completed (1989), Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory destroyed (1998). View all events →
Famous Birthdays on August 20
Notable figures born on August 20 include Bunty Afoa, Kaho Minagawa, Daniel Vladař. View all birthdays →
Notable Deaths on August 20
Remembered figures who died on August 20 include Uri Avnery, Jennifer Ramírez Rivero, Igor Vovkovinskiy. View all →
Browse what happened on August 19 or August 21, explore the full month of August, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 20?
- August 20 is home to 15 recorded historical entries, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 notable deaths.
- What is the most notable event on August 20?
- One of the most notable events on August 20 is: Marchioness disaster.
- Who was born on August 20?
- Famous figures born on August 20 include Bunty Afoa, Kaho Minagawa, Daniel Vladař.
- How many historical events happened on August 20?
- Our collection records 5 historical events on August 20, spanning centuries of world history.
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