1979⚡ Event
Tumaco earthquake and tsunami
A magnitude-8.2 earthquake struck just off the shore of Tumaco, Colombia, causing at least 300 deaths, mostly by the resulting tsunami.
disasterscience
What Happened on December 12?
Discover 15 historical moments on December 12 — 5 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
entertainmentsportspoliticsdisasterlawsciencespacetechnology
Hero image inspired by: Clapham Junction rail crash
Historical Events on December 12(5)
1988⚡ Event
Clapham Junction rail crash
Three trains collided near Clapham Junction railway station in London, killing 35 people and injuring 484 others.
disasterlaw
2000⚡ Event
Bush v. Gore Supreme Court ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bush v. Gore that the recount of ballots cast in Florida for the presidential election be stopped, effectively making George W. Bush the winner.
politicslaw
2012⚡ Event
North Korea launches satellite
North Korea made its first successful satellite launch, as Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 Unit 2 reached orbit.
spacetechnology
2021⚡ Event
Max Verstappen wins 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
At the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Max Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton on the final lap to become World Drivers' Champion.
sportsentertainment
Famous Birthdays on December 12(5)
1994🎂 Birth
Otto Warmbier
Otto Warmbier was an American student imprisoned in North Korea. He died in 2017.
Notable Deaths on December 12(5)
2020🕊️ Death
John le Carré
John le Carré was an English author. He was born in 1931.
literatureentertainment
2020🕊️ Death
Ann Reinking
Ann Reinking was an American actress, dancer, and choreographer. She was born in 1949.
entertainmentarts
2021🕊️ Death
Vicente Fernández
Vicente Fernández was a Mexican actor, ranchera singer, and film producer. He was born in 1940.
entertainment
2021🕊️ Death
Bernie Fowler
Bernie Fowler was an American politician and environmental advocate. He was born in 1924.
politics
2021🕊️ Death
Maʻafu Tukuiʻaulahi
Maʻafu Tukuiʻaulahi was a Tongan politician and military officer, serving as Deputy Prime Minister. He was born in 1955.
politics
December 12 in History
December 12 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 1979 to the present day.
Major Events on December 12
Among the most notable events on December 12: Tumaco earthquake and tsunami (1979), Clapham Junction rail crash (1988), Bush v. Gore Supreme Court ruling (2000). View all events →
Famous Birthdays on December 12
Notable figures born on December 12 include Zeli Ismail, Otto Warmbier, Lucas Hedges. View all birthdays →
Notable Deaths on December 12
Remembered figures who died on December 12 include John le Carré, Ann Reinking, Vicente Fernández. View all →
Browse what happened on December 11 or December 13, explore the full month of December, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on December 12?
- December 12 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 December 12?
- One of the most notable events on December 12 is: Tumaco earthquake and tsunami.
- Who was born on December 12?
- Famous figures born on December 12 include Zeli Ismail, Otto Warmbier, Lucas Hedges.
- How many historical events happened on December 12?
- Our collection records 5 historical events on December 12, spanning centuries of world history.
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