A world record commercial railway train speed of 311 mph (500 kph) was achieved by Shanghai Transrapid Railway Systems.
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American Airlines Flight 587 from New York City to the Dominican Republic crashed during takeoff.
An Iran-Iraq earthquake killed 630 people and injured over 8,100.
Pudge Heffelfinger played his first paid game, making him the first professional American Football player.
Jackie Chan was awarded an honorary Oscar at the 8th Annual Governors Awards for starring in over 200 movies.
Super Mario Galaxy, Nintendo's third 3D Mario game, was released for the Nintendo Wii in North America.