October 24

Saturday 24, 1998:

Tropical Storm Mitch reaches hurricane strength.

Monday 24, 1960:

Nedelin catastrophe: An R-16 ballistic missile explodes on the launch pad at the Soviet Union's Baikonur Cosmodrome space facility, killing 165. Among the dead is Field Marshall Mitrofan Nedelin, whose death is reported to have occurred in a plane crash.

Thursday 24, 1861:

The first transcontinental telegraph line across the United States is completed, spelling the end for the 18-month-old Pony Express.

Sunday 24, 1260:

- Saif ad-Din Qutuz, Mamluk sultan of Egypt, is assassinated by Baibars, who seizes power for himself.

Thursday 24, 69:

Second Battle of Bedriacum, forces under Antonius Primus, the commander of the Danube armies, loyal to Vespasian, defeat the forces of Emperor Vitellius.