News Trending

Two workers die in bridge collapse in Dutch city of Lochem

By 235 0

In the Netherlands, a tragic incident occurred in Lochem where two workers lost their lives and two others were injured during the construction of a bridge. The collapse happened when cables supporting a bridge arch snapped, causing it to plummet to the ground. The deceased workers were identified as one from Belgium and the other from Poland, but further details such as their names and ages were not disclosed.

The collapse, labeled as an “industrial accident” by officials, prompted an ongoing investigation to determine its cause. Witnesses, including onlookers, were deeply affected by the sudden collapse and are receiving psychological support.

According to one witness, the collapse occurred shortly after the arch began swinging, followed by a loud bang. The bridge was intended to span a major canal as part of a new ring road project in Lochem, Gelderland.

Mayor Sebastiaan van ‘t Erve expressed shock over the incident, highlighting the extensive planning and development efforts over five years leading up to the construction. Despite this, the bridge collapsed in a single day, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

The exact cause of the collapse remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. Local authorities confirmed that the injured workers were hospitalized but expected to recover.

Andre Meilink from the regional safety authority provided insight into the incident, explaining that the bridge began to twist as it was being lifted, leading to the collapse of a section.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Ukraine war: Attack on Belgorod shopping centre in Russia near border

By 324 0

The governor of the Belgorod region reported that an air attack in the Russian city resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and injuries to eighteen others. Videos on social media depicted ambulances outside a damaged shopping center with broken windows. Russian authorities stated that their air defense systems intercepted 14 Ukrainian missiles over the Belgorod region, with one missile striking a shopping center and another hitting a sports stadium.

Belgorod, situated approximately 30km from the Ukrainian border, has frequently been targeted by Ukrainian forces since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began nearly two years ago. This recent attack follows a previous drone and rocket strike in December that claimed 25 lives and injured 100, marking the deadliest assault on Belgorod thus far.

In response to the ongoing conflict, Russia launched 26 missiles at Ukraine, resulting in the death of a woman in Chuguyiv and multiple injuries. Meanwhile, the battle for the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka continues, with Ukrainian soldiers expressing concerns over shortages of weapons and ammunition.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg cautioned that the US’s failure to approve continued military assistance to Ukraine is impacting the battlefield. Avdiivka holds strategic importance as a gateway to the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk and has been a focal point of conflict since the onset of the eastern Ukrainian conflict in 2014.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Hungary theatre chief offers to quit after Romeo and Juliet accident

By 242 0

Hungary’s National Theatre director, Attila Vidnyánszky, tendered his resignation in the wake of a balcony fall incident during a production of Romeo and Juliet. The accident occurred during the second act, causing serious injuries to actors Júlia Szász (Juliet) and Otto Lajos Horváth (Capulet), who are currently in a stable condition post-surgery. Despite Vidnyánszky’s offer, Hungary’s culture minister, János Csák, rejected the resignation. An investigation has been launched, and Csák emphasized the need to await its findings before deciding on any further action.

The incident took place in Budapest, where paramedics treated Szász and Horváth after they fell from an elevated platform behind the scenery. Both actors are expected to recover, and Csák, along with Vidnyánszky, visited the hospital to meet with doctors. In an Instagram post, Csák expressed optimism about the actors’ improving conditions and wished them a swift recovery. The exact timeline for the investigation’s conclusion remains uncertain.

Attila Vidnyánszky, a key ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has held the position of National Theatre director for a decade. His tenure, originally set to conclude in 2023, was extended to 2028 earlier this year. The close association with the Prime Minister adds a political dimension to the incident, highlighting the delicate balance between artistic leadership and political ties.

Júlia Szász, known for her roles in both theatre and high-profile Hungarian films, was scheduled for future National Theatre performances. Otto Lajos Horváth, who gained prominence in the early 2000s, particularly in Hungarian films and television shows, is also part of the country’s cultural landscape. The accident during the performance of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy adds a layer of tragedy to the real-life drama, drawing attention to the intersection of art, safety, and leadership in Hungary’s National Theatre.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Fabio Grosso: Lyon manager ‘seriously injured’ as team bus attacked in Marseille

By 273 0

Lyon has cautioned about the possibility of a more severe disaster following an assault on their team bus in Marseille, where manager Fabio Grosso and assistant Raffaele Longo were reportedly injured by projectiles. The incident occurred before the scheduled Ligue 1 match between Marseille and Lyon.

In response to the situation, Lyon expressed their concern, emphasizing that such incidents have been recurring in Marseille annually. They urged the authorities to address the seriousness and frequency of such attacks before a more catastrophic event takes place.

Initially intending to proceed with the match, Lyon reconsidered following news of Grosso and Longo’s injuries and the impact on the players’ mental state. Lyon president John Textor expressed his frustration, highlighting the dangerous objects, including beer bottles, that caused Grosso’s injuries.

Marseille, while deploring the unacceptable incidents, denounced the violence and emphasized that it has no place in football or society. They wished for a swift recovery for Grosso and hoped for a prompt resolution to the situation, acknowledging the disappointment of the fans who were unable to attend the match.

The game was ultimately postponed, prompting widespread condemnation from various quarters, including the French sports minister and FIFA president, who both stressed the need to eradicate such acts of violence in football. French football expert Julien Laurens also expressed dismay, labeling the incident as a detrimental portrayal of French football.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Paul Pogba: Second Sample Validates Positive Drug Test Result for Juventus Midfielder

By 280 0

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has faced confirmation of his failed drug test, as his B sample also tested positive. The 30-year-old was provisionally suspended following elevated testosterone levels in his initial sample after Juventus’ game against Udinese on August 20, where he was an unused substitute. If found guilty of doping, he could face a suspension ranging from two to four years.

Nado Italia, the anti-doping body, stated that Pogba had violated rules with the presence of prohibited non-endogenous testosterone metabolites, suggesting an external source. Testosterone is known to enhance athletes’ endurance. Athletes have the option to have their B sample analyzed if the first sample returns adverse results.

Pogba intends to clear his name, asserting that any potential banned substance use was unintentional. His agent, Rafaela Pimenta, emphasized Pogba’s lack of intention to break any rules. Pogba rejoined Juventus on a four-year contract in July 2022, following the end of his contract at Manchester United. However, his return to Turin has been marred by recurring injury issues, including a recent minor back problem mentioned by Juventus boss Massimo Allegri.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Paris Bids Farewell to Electric Scooter Rentals

By 261 0

Paris has implemented a ban on rental electric scooters due to increasing injuries and fatalities in the city. Despite the ban being supported by nearly 90% of the voters in April, voter turnout was less than 8%. This move makes Paris one of the first capitals to prohibit rented electric scooters, only five years after initially embracing them.

As someone who is a traditional cyclist, I’m frustrated by the intrusion of electric “personal vehicles” like e-scooters into our space. I’ve spent four decades advocating for cycle paths, only to see them crowded out by this new form of motorized transportation. Additionally, as a parent, I’ve witnessed numerous instances of scooters speeding down sidewalks, posing hazards that require quick avoidance. A close friend of mine even suffered a broken rib in an e-scooter accident in Paris last year, which still causes him pain.

I hold no affection for these free-floating e-scooters. If it were up to me, they would have never been invented, and Parisians would still be cycling like it was the 1970s in Amsterdam, relying on their legs rather than pushing buttons.

However, that doesn’t mean I can’t recognize a political maneuver when I see one. The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, is a member of the Socialist party, but her presidential campaign in the previous election garnered just 1.75% of the national vote. In an effort to regain political relevance, she seized upon e-scooters as her cause, conveniently forgetting that she had introduced on-street scooter rentals in 2018. She became the spokesperson for those who find scooters deeply annoying.

At the beginning of the year, she announced a referendum to let the people decide on the scooter issue, stating that she would follow the people’s choice, even if it conflicted with her personal stance. The vote took place in April with minimal publicity, and only a small fraction of Parisians participated. Predictably, older citizens, who vote regularly and dislike e-scooters, turned out in large numbers, while younger users of e-scooters were less inclined to participate. The result was a clear majority in favor of banning the machines, giving the mayor her victory.

Now, rental scooters have disappeared from the streets, much to the dismay of tourists, nightlife enthusiasts, and some commuters. However, dealers in privately-owned e-scooters remain unaffected. Unlike the transition from horses to automobiles a century ago, where horses were replaced by a more advanced technology, the e-scooters’ absence may not be permanent. These scooters have only been around for five years, and there’s a possibility they may return at some point.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Portugal battles wildfires amid third heatwave of the year

By 299 0

Amidst soaring temperatures, firefighters in Portugal are working diligently to contain wildfires that have spread across thousands of hectares. An overnight effort near Odemira involved around 800 personnel, leading to the evacuation of over 1,400 individuals. Tragically, nine firefighters have sustained injuries during the firefighting operations.

The Iberian Peninsula is expected to experience temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) this week. While three significant fires in Spain have been brought under control after scorching extensive areas, weather advisories persist across the country.

Portugal recorded its highest temperature of the year, reaching 46.4°C (116°F) in Santarém on Monday. A blaze that ignited near Odemira on Saturday was propelled southward into the Algarve’s hilly interior due to strong winds. Approximately 6,700 hectares (16,600 acres) of land have already been devastated, and numerous villages, tourist accommodations, and a camping site were evacuated. The mayor of Odemira described the situation as “critical, difficult, and complex.”

Elsewhere in Portugal, major fires prompted the closure of several sections of highways, including parts of the A1 connecting Lisbon and Porto. Firefighting efforts across both regions are being aided by sixteen waterbombing aircraft.

In response to the heightened fire risk, authorities have labeled over 120 municipalities in Portugal as being at maximum wildfire risk. Meanwhile, in Spain, fires near Cadiz, Huelva, and Catalonia consumed over 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres) collectively over the weekend.

This week’s heatwave marks the third to affect the Iberian peninsula this summer. According to Ruben del Campo of Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, the heatwave results from a substantial mass of hot, dry air originating from North Africa and is projected to be more intense, widespread, and longer-lasting than the two previous ones in July.

The increasing risk of such scorching and dry conditions that fuel wildfires is attributed to climate change. Global temperatures have already risen by around 1.1°C since the onset of the industrial era, and this trend will persist unless governments worldwide take significant measures to reduce emissions.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

French Officer Involved in Marseille Riots Admits to Firing Riot Gun while in Custody

By 524 0

French policeman under investigation for a shooting incident during the Marseille riots a month ago has confessed to firing a rubber bullet at a 22-year-old man’s head. The victim, Hedi, an assistant restaurant manager, suffered severe injuries and disfigurement from the “flash ball.”

The officer has been in custody for weeks, causing controversy among his colleagues. The officer’s lawyer requested his release, but the public prosecutor cited the risk of collusion with colleagues. The incident occurred during nationwide riots that followed the death of a 17-year-old during a police check in Nanterre.

Hedi, a North African immigrant, survived the headshot but sustained serious health issues. Other incidents of rubber bullet use by the French police have also resulted in life-changing injuries and deaths, sparking further debate on their use.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Deadly Fire Engulfs Ship Carrying 3,000 Cars off Dutch Coast: Ameland Rescue Underway

By 298 0

Cargo ship carrying nearly 3,000 cars catches fire off Dutch island of Ameland, resulting in one fatality and 22 injuries.

A major salvage operation is underway in a designated World Heritage site in the North Sea. The fire was possibly triggered by one of the 25 electric vehicles on board. The ship’s crew attempted to control the flames but had to evacuate.

The ship, operated by K-Line and owned by a subsidiary of Imabari Shipbuilding, is currently stationary but may be listing. Emergency crews are focused on extinguishing the fire and preventing the vessel from sinking.

Concerns are also raised about the risks of transporting electric vehicles at sea following this incident and a previous one involving a cargo ship carrying luxury cars that caught fire and sank off the Azores last year.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright