Signals era of ecumenical outreach. Schoolchildren among victims as damaged gasoline pipeline explodes. Fuel-scavenging villagers among dead. African Methodist Episcopal Church elects Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie as its first female leader. Award is largest in United States history.
Planners hope for stimulus to construction of orbital research outpost sponsored by U.S. and Russia.
Air France craft carrying mainly German passengers bound for New York. All 109 crew members and passengers are killed, as well as at least four on ground. First Concorde crash since this first supersonic passenger plane began commercial operation in 1976. Craft had been delayed by repairs to engine that caught fire.