Three commuter trains crashed together in south west London. It was one of the worst train disasters in the history of the United Kingdom. The crash claimed the lives of 35 people and injured more than 100.

An Arrow Air passenger jet crashed right after takeoff in Gander, Newfoundland. 256 people died in the crash.

Rhodesia changed its name to Zimbabwe.

American actress, Jennifer Connelly, was born in New York. She had a series of participations in failed films before her career was given a serious boost when she stared in the 2001 movie, A Beautiful Mind.

Kenya gained its independence from the United Kingdom.

Brazilian racing driver, Emerson Fittipaldi, was born in Sao Paulo. He was a successful race driver, who won the Formula One world championship as well as the Indianapolis 500.

During the course of World War II Great Britain declared war on Bulgaria. Hungary and Romania on the United States. And India on Japan.

American actor, Douglas Fairbanks, died at the age of 56. He is considered to have been the first true action hero of the silver screen. In 1919 he was one of the co-founders of United Artists. He was married to fellow actress Mary Pickford, it is known as the first Hollywood celebrity marriage. The couple separated in 1933.

Delhi was declared as the capital of India, replacing Calcutta.

Joseph H. Rainey, hailing from South Carolina, was the first African American congressman in the history of the United States.

Norwegian painter, Edvard Munch, was born in Adalsbruk, Norway. He is considred as one of the most influential expressionist painters of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Pennsylvania became the 2nd state to ratify the United States Constitution.