On This Day: What happened on 03 January?

Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 03 January, throughout history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.

ON THIS DAY: 03 JANUARY

2016 | Iran announced to end its diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia due to the fallout caused by the execution of Nimr al-Nimr on this day.

2015 | The entire town of Baga in northeast Nigeria was razed by Boko Haram militants on this day, starting the Baga massacre and 2 000 people killed.

2004 | The deadliest aviation accident in Egyptian history was reported when Flash Airlines Flight 604 crashed into the Red Sea causing 148 deaths.

1994 | Baikal Airlines Flight 130 crashed close to Irkutsk, Russia causing 125 deaths.

1958 | The West Indies Federation was officially formed.

ALSO READ: What happened on 02 January?

BIRTHDAYS

1946 | British songwriter, and producer, John Paul Jones.

1989 | New Zealand rugby league player, Ben Matulino.

2003 | Swedish environmental activist, Greta Thunberg.

1991| French football player, Sébastien Faure.

1988 | Canadian ice hockey player, Matt Frattin.

ON THIS DAY: DEATHS

1969 | Greek-French astronomer, Jean Focas, 60.

1956 | German educator and politician, Joseph Wirth, 80.

2007 | Canadian ice hockey player, Earl Reibel, 77.

2006 | Australian rugby player and coach, Steve Rogers, 52.

SPORTS

1974 | After a dispute between Chelsea manager Dave Sexton and players Peter Osgood and Alan Hudson the two Chelsea stars were suspended and listed for transfer immediately on this day, Hudson moving to Stoke City and Osgood to Southampton.

AFRICA FACT

Morocco has 7 wine regions and produces 40 million bottles of wine annually but it is hard to find alcohol.  However, drinking alcohol is against the religion of Islam. Although the country produces wine and beer, alcohol is not widely available except in a few licensed hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists.