What happened on 23 May?

Look at what happened on this day, 23 May in history. From various achievements and milestones throughout human history to groundbreaking inventions and events that shaped the world we live in today.

Here is a look at some of the most notable events that happened on this day

ON THIS DAY: 23 May

1948 | In Jerusalem, Israel, Thomas C. Wasson, the US consul general, was killed.

1971 | On the approach to Rijeka Airport in Rijeka, Croatia (then the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia), Aviogenex Flight 130 crashed, killing 78 passengers.

1983 | On this day, the African National Congress (ANC) bases in a suburb of Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, were destroyed in retaliation for the ANC’s vehicle bombing of the South African Defence Force’s Pretoria headquarters on May 20, 1983.

2021 | Belarusian officials ordered Ryanair Flight 4978 to land so they could detain journalist Roman Protasevich, a dissident.

2022 | Following his victory in the 2022 Australian federal election, Anthony Albanese of the Australian Labour Party sworn in as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia, ending nine years of conservative government.

ALSO READ: What happened on 22 May?

BIRTHDAYS

1969 | South African singer, Kobie van Rensburg. 

1976 | Brazilian footballer and manager, Ricardinho. 

1977 | British actor, director and writer, Richard Ayoade. 

1985 | South African association football player, Hlompho Kekana. 

1995 | South African rugby union footballer, Kerron van Vuuren

DEATHS

1975 | American comedian and actor, Moms Mabley, 81

2009 | South Korean soldier and politician, 9th President of South Korea,Roh Moo-hyun, 63.

2015 | American actress, comedian and playwright, Anne Meara, 86.

2020 | Japanese professional wrestler, Hana Kimura, 23.

SPORTS

2001 | On this day, Bayern Munich won the Champions League against Valencia on penalties after a 1-1 draw. 

ENTERTAINMENT 

2006 | On this day, Dixie Chicks released “Taking the Long Way”, their seventh studio album and went on to win five Grammy Awards.

AFRICA FACT

Riyad Mahrez is the only African player to win the Premier League 5 times.