August 1980

Saturday 02:

A bomb explodes at the railway station in Bologna, Italy, killing 85 people and wounding more than 200.

Thursday 14:

Lech Wa??sa leads strikes at Gda?sk, Poland shipyards.

Sunday 17:

Azaria Chamberlain disappears, likely taken by a dingo, leading to what was then the most publicised trial in Australian history.

Tuesday 19:

Saudia Flight 163, a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar burns after making an emergency landing at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, killing 301 people.

Monday 25:

The Broadway musical 42nd Street opens; the show's director, Gower Champion, had died earlier that day.

Sunday 31:

The Solidarity trade union is formed in Poland.