A Surinam Airways jet crashes on landing in Paramaribo
The pilots were blamed for the disaster. They had attempted to land using the wrong navigation signal. Of the 187 people on board, 11 survived.

Israel destroys Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactors
The attack, triggered by fears of a potential Iraqi atom bomb, prompted international criticism and is considered a political disaster as it caused the quarreling Arab states to unite against their common enemy, Israel.

The first Cricket World Cup begins
England hosted the first edition of the event, which today has become one of the world’s most important sporting events. The West Indies entered the history books as the first Cricket World Champions.

The world’s first Legoland resort opens
The Legoland in Billund, Denmark was the first of six theme parks based around the Lego interlocking plastic bricks. Billund is the home of The Lego Group.

Vatican City becomes an independent state
The Lateran Treaty, which was signed on February 11 of the same year, was ratified by Italy’s fascist government on this day. It guarantees the political and territorial sovereignty of Vatican City.