Oil tanker Julie N. crashes into the Million Dollar Bridge in Portland, Maine, spilling thousands of gallons of oil into the Fore River.

Also the Taliban captured the capital city of Kabul, Afghanistan, driving out President Burhanuddin Rabbani and executing former leader Mohammad Najibullah

In a significant geopolitical shift, the Taliban captured the capital city of Kabul, Afghanistan, driving out President Burhanuddin Rabbani and executing former leader Mohammad Najibullah. This marked a pivotal moment in Afghanistan's turbulent political landscape, establishing the foundations for the Taliban's first period of governance.

Hurricane Helene made a devastating landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, causing significant damage and posing substantial risks to coastal communities.

On this day also Space Shuttle STS 79 (Atlantis 17), lands

The storm's intensity highlighted the destructive potential of Atlantic hurricanes. On this day also Space Shuttle STS 79 (Atlantis 17), lands

The last Magdalen Asylum in Ireland was closed, marking the end of a dark chapter in Irish social history. These institutions, which confined women deemed 'fallen' or 'immoral', were notorious for their harsh treatment and systemic oppression. An estimated 30,000 women were institutionalized in these asylums over decades

The Magdalene Asylum in Cork (Sawmill Street) opened in 1810. The last Magdalene laundry closed on this day on Sean MacDermott Street in Dublin. In Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Church of Ireland-run Ulster Magdalene Asylum and episcopal chapel, was founded in 1839.

Representatives of 71 nations gathered at the United Nations to sign the landmark Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

A pivotal international agreement aimed at prohibiting all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes.

This treaty represented a significant milestone in global efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and reduce the risk of nuclear conflict.

O'Neill was shot and killed by London Metropolitan Police's  specialist firearms unit, during a raid on suspected IRA weapons operations.

Renowned rap artist Tupac Shakur was critically wounded in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas

.Diarmuid O'Neill (21) (later confirmed as a member of the Irish Republican Army; IRA) was shot dead in raids by security service personnel.  

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Read more: Monday 23rd September 1996

 Australian Bob Dent, a terminal cancer patient, became the first person to legally end his life through assisted suicide under a groundbreaking law in the Northern Territory of Australia. This landmark event sparked significant ethical and legal debates about euthanasia and patient rights.

The tree and plaque, were erected by the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of Queensland, in memory of  Rob Dent, the first person to die under the Northern Territory Rights of the Terminally Ill Act.

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Read more: Sunday 22nd September 1996