Monday, March 15, 2010

Accidents & Disasters – Weekly Newsletter for March 8-15, 2010

Monday, March 15, 2010


Magnitude 6 earthquake hits eastern Turkey; at least 57 reported dead

Earthquake hits eastern Turkey; at least 57 dead

ANKARA, Turkey – A strong earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6, hit eastern Turkey on Monday, killing 57 people and knocking down houses in at least six small villages, an official said.
The temblor struck six villages in Elazig province, toppling stone or mud-brick homes and minarets of …. Original article  : Magnitude 6 earthquake hits eastern Turkey; at least 57 reported dead.

Official: Death toll reaches 57 in earthquake in eastern Turkey

Official: 57 dead in earthquake in eastern Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey – An official says the death toll in the strong earthquake that hit eastern Turkey has reached 57.
A mayor says 57 people have died in the quake that struck six villages in Elazig province.
The quake struck Elazig at 4:32 a.m. (0232 GMT) and was centered near … Original article on : Official: Death toll reaches 57 in earthquake in eastern Turkey.

Gen. McChrystal says Afghan campaign slowed to reduce civilian casualties

McChrystal: US slowed campaign to spare civilians

KABUL – The top U.S. general in Afghanistan says the military campaign around the southern Afghan town of Marjah (MAR’-jah) could have been faster, but the cost in civilian casualties would have been too high.
Gen. Stanley McChrystal says the Marjah campaign could been over in one night. Instead active …. Original source  : Gen. McChrystal says Afghan campaign slowed to reduce civilian casualties.

Suicide bomber strikes police agency building in eastern Pakistan, killing 12, wounding scores

Blast hits police building in Pakistan, 12 dead

LAHORE, Pakistan – A suicide car bomber struck a building where police interrogate high-value suspects in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore on Monday, killing at least 12 people and wounding 61 more including women taking children to school, officials said.
The attack broke what had been a relative lull [..] Read the original article: here.

As Kurt Busch wins, Edwards-Keselowski feud boils over to spark another frightening crash

NASCAR drivers Edwards, Keselowski still feuding

HAMPTON, Ga. – Carl Edwards was 156 laps off the lead when he apparently decided it was time to settle a score with Brad Keselowski.
The result was a frightening crash that sent Keselowski’s car flying toward the stands at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and put NASCAR’s “have at it” philosophy to [..] Read the original article: here.

Magnitude 6 earthquake hits eastern Turkey; at least 41 reported dead

Earthquake hits eastern Turkey; at least 41 dead

ANKARA, Turkey – A strong earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6, hit eastern Turkey on Monday, killing at least 41 people and knocking down houses in at least six small villages, the government said.
The quake affected villages near the town of Kovancilar, toppling stone or mud-brick homes … Read more >>.

Chile quake survivors suffer rainy night; Looters return goods worth $2M

Chile quake survivors suffer cold, rainy night

CONCEPCION, Chile – A strong rain on a chilly night added to the misery Monday of survivors of Chile’s terrible earthquake and tsunami, many of whom live in tents and improvised shelters as continuing aftershocks threaten to collapse what’s left of their homes.
At least 30 cities and towns were … Read more »».

Magnitude 6 earthquake hits eastern Turkey; at least 38 reported dead

Earthquake hits eastern Turkey; 38 dead
ANKARA, Turkey – A strong earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6, hit eastern Turkey on Monday, knocking down houses in three small villages and killing at least 38 people, an official said.

Mayor Bekir Yanilmaz, of the nearby town of Kovancilar said the victims were from the villages of Okcular, …. Original source  : Magnitude 6 earthquake hits eastern Turkey; at least 38 reported dead.

Magnitude 6 earthquake shakes eastern Turkey; at least 38 reported dead

Earthquake shakes eastern Turkey; 38 dead
ANKARA, Turkey – An official says the death toll in the strong earthquake that hit eastern Turkey has reached 38.

Bekir Yanilmaz, the mayor of the nearby town of Kovancilar says 38 people have died in three villages in Elazig province.
The quake struck Elazig at 4:32 a.m. (0232 GMT) Monday and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Magnitude 6 earthquake shakes eastern Turkey; at least 38 reported dead.

Magnitude 6 earthquake shakes eastern Turkey; at least 17 reported dead

Earthquake shakes eastern Turkey; 17 dead
ANKARA, Turkey – A strong earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6, hit eastern Turkey Monday, killing at least 17 people, the government said.

The government’s crisis center said the victims were from the small villages of Okcular, Yukari Kanatli and Kayali, where the quake knocked down houses and minarets.
Gov. Muammer … Read more »».

Suicide bomber strikes police agency building in eastern Pakistan, killing 11, wounding scores

Blast hits police building in Pakistan, 11 dead

LAHORE, Pakistan – A suicide car bomber struck a building where police interrogate high-value suspects in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore on Monday, killing at least 11 people and wounding 61 more including women taking children to school, officials said.
The attack broke what had been a relative lull …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Magnitude 6 earthquake shakes eastern Turkey; at least 11 reported dead

Earthquake shakes eastern Turkey; 11 dead
ANKARA, Turkey – A strong earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6, hit eastern Turkey Monday, killing at least 11 people, an official said.

Gov. Muammer Erol said the victims were from the small village of Okcular, where the earthquake knocked down houses.
CNN-Turk television said rescue teams dispatched to the area … Read : Magnitude 6 earthquake shakes eastern Turkey; at least 11 reported dead.

Police say explosion rocks police agency building in eastern Pakistan, killing 8

Blast hits police building in Pakistan, 8 dead

LAHORE, Pakistan – A suicide car bomber struck a building where police interrogate high-value suspects in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore on Monday, killing at least eight people, officials said.
Some 45 others were wounded in what appeared to be the biggest explosion to strike the nuclear-armed, U.S.-allied country …. Original source  : Police say explosion rocks police agency building in eastern Pakistan, killing 8.

Police say explosion rocks investigative agency’s building in eastern Pakistan, killing 5

Blast hits gov’t building in east Pakistan, 5 dead

LAHORE, Pakistan – An apparent suicide car bomber struck a building housing a government investigative agency Monday in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore, killing at least five people, police and hospitals said.
At least 45 people were wounded in what appeared to be the biggest explosion to strike … Original source on Gaea Times at : Police say explosion rocks investigative agency’s building in eastern Pakistan, killing 5.

Police say explosion rocks investigative agency’s building in eastern Pakistan, killing 3

Blast hits gov’t building in east Pakistan, 3 dead

LAHORE, Pakistan – An apparent suicide car bomb killed at least three people and heavily damaged a building housing a government investigative agency Monday in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore, police said.
Many more people were believed to have been wounded in what appeared to be the biggest …. Source  : Police say explosion rocks investigative agency’s building in eastern Pakistan, killing 3.

Police say explosion at investigative agency’s building kills 3 in eastern Pakistan’s Lahore

Police: Blast kills 3 eastern Pakistan
LAHORE, Pakistan – Police say a large explosion has killed at least three people and heavily damaged a building housing a federal investigative agency in Pakistan’s east.

Police official Chaudhry Shafiq says the explosion appeared to be a suicide car bomb.
It went off outside the Federal Investigative Unit’s building in Lahore … Read : Police say explosion at investigative agency’s building kills 3 in eastern Pakistan’s Lahore.

Magnitude 6 earthquake shakes eastern Turkey; damage reported in at least 1 village

Earthquake shakes eastern Turkey
ANKARA, Turkey – An official says at least 11 people have died in a strong earthquake in eastern Turkey.

Gov. Muammer Erol says the victims are from the small village of Okcular in Elazig province.
CNN-Turk television says at least six people are trapped under rubble waiting to be rescued.
The Istanbul-based Kandilli Observatory says … Read : Magnitude 6 earthquake shakes eastern Turkey; damage reported in at least 1 village.

Van accidentally hits 5 people in NYC church parking lot, killing woman, injuring 4 others

Van accident at NYC church kills woman, injures 4

NEW YORK – A van has struck five people in the parking lot of a New York City church, killing one and injuring four.
Police Lt. John Grimpel says no criminality is suspected in Sunday’s accident at the Pyeong AHN Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn. He says 40-year-old Sung … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Van accidentally hits 5 people in NYC church parking lot, killing woman, injuring 4 others.

Wild finish at Atlanta, but no one can catch Kurt Busch when they finally take checkered

Kurt Busch wins again at Atlanta after 2 crashes

HAMPTON, Ga. – Kurt Busch was running out front with three laps to go when things really got interesting.
First, a frightening crash that seemed intentional between two feuding drivers.
Then, another spinning, slamming melee before the white flag came out.
“We’ve got to win this race three times, maybe …. Original source  : Wild finish at Atlanta, but no one can catch Kurt Busch when they finally take checkered.

3 crew members on Coast Guard helicopter that crashed in Utah return to home base in NC

3 in Coast Guard helicopter crash back at NC base

SALT LAKE CITY – Three crew members aboard a Coast Guard helicopter that crashed in Utah last week have returned to their home base in Elizabeth City, N.C.
The helicopter with five aboard went down Wednesday in the Uinta mountains as the crew returned home from a …. Source  : 3 crew members on Coast Guard helicopter that crashed in Utah return to home base in NC.

Eurotunnel profit almost wiped out last year after fire, Eurostar shutdown hammer earnings

Eurotunnel net profit slumps in 2009
PARIS – Eurotunnel SA, the operator of the English Channel tunnel, on Tuesday blamed a fire in the undersea route between France and Britain for nearly wiping out its profit in 2009.

Eurotunnel said its net profit sank to ???1.4 million ($1.9 million) from ???40 million a year earlier, when a … Read more »».

US military: 2 American soldiers die in vehicle accident in Iraq

US military: 2 soldiers die in Iraq in accident

BAGHDAD – The U.S. military says two American soldiers have died in a vehicle accident in Iraq.
A statement says the soldiers died Monday. It says two other soldiers were injured in the same accident, which is under investigation.
The names of the soldiers are being withheld pending notification …. Source  : US military: 2 American soldiers die in vehicle accident in Iraq.

5 CSX train cars derail in Philly but remain upright; none hurt, no hazardous materials leak

5 freight train cars derail in Philly; none hurt

PHILADELPHIA – Authorities say five cars on a freight train derailed in downtown Philadelphia, but none tipped over and there were no injuries or hazardous materials involved.
CSX spokesman Bob Sullivan says the 123-car train was heading from outside Albany, N.Y., to Hamlet, N.C., when it derailed about …. Source  : 5 CSX train cars derail in Philly but remain upright; none hurt, no hazardous materials leak.

Okla. authorities say baby died after being attacked by a dog on Iowa Tribe land

Official: Baby fatally attacked by dog in Okla.

PERKINS, Okla. – Authorities in Oklahoma say an infant has died after being attacked by a dog on tribal land near Perkins.
Stillwater firefighters dispatched an ambulance to Iowa Tribe land about 11:20 a.m. Monday after receiving a call that a child had been bitten by a dog. Fire …. Read the original article  : here.

Tornado touches down in western Oklahoma, damaging several homes; no injuries reported

Tornado hits Okla.; no injuries reported
HAMMON, Okla. – Authorities say at least five homes and a barn owned by the county government were destroyed in a tornado in western Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Michelann Ooten says no injuries were reported with Monday’s tornado.
Ooten says that besides the five homes and barn that were … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tornado touches down in western Oklahoma, damaging several homes; no injuries reported.

CHP aids Prius with stuck accelerator coast to a stop after reaching 94 mph in San Diego

Prius with stuck accelerator glides to safe stop

EL CAJON, Calif. – A California Highway Patrol officer helped slow a runaway Toyota Prius from 94 mph to a safe stop on Monday after the car’s accelerator became stuck on a San Diego County freeway, the CHP said.
Prius driver James Sikes called 911 about 1:30 p.m. after …. Original source  : CHP aids Prius with stuck accelerator coast to a stop after reaching 94 mph in San Diego.

1985 Air India terrorist bombing perjury trial halted after Canadian jury dismissed

Air India terrorist bombing perjury trial halted

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The perjury trial of a man who gave key testimony at the trial of the 1985 Air India terrorist bombings that killed 331 people has been delayed because the jury has been dismissed.
Inderjit Singh Reyat is charged with lying 27 times under oath in the [..] Read the original article: here.

Haiti president to meet with Obama, give thanks for US aid and discuss next steps in recovery

Haiti’s president heads to Washington to talk aid
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haitian President Rene Preval is heading to the U.S. to discuss what is needed to rebuild his shattered country.
Preval says he plans to personally thank President Barack Obama on Wednesday for the private and public U.S. aid that flooded into the country after … Read more : Haiti president to meet with Obama, give thanks for US aid and discuss next steps in recovery.

Freed missionary arrives in US after release from Haiti jail

Freed missionary arrives in US from Haiti jail

BOISE, Idaho – One of two Baptist missionaries still held on kidnapping charges in Haiti has arrived in the U.S. after being released after more than a month in custody.
The father of 24-year-old Charisa Coulter says she went straight to a hotel after flying into Miami late Monday, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Freed missionary arrives in US after release from Haiti jail.

Rock slide punches holes in bridge, dots Colo. highway with boulders; gov declares emergency

Colo. rock slide rains boulders on bridge, highway

DENVER – A rock slide punched gaping holes in a bridge and left huge boulders on Interstate 70, closing a 17-mile stretch in western Colorado and prompting Gov. Bill Ritter to declare a disaster emergency Monday.
The slide struck around midnight Sunday near Hanging Lake Tunnel in Glenwood Canyon, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Rock slide punches holes in bridge, dots Colo. highway with boulders; gov declares emergency.

Worsening quake problem not below ground, but above; more people, poor buildings, more deaths

Not more quakes, just more people in quake zones

First the ground shook in Haiti, then Chile and now Turkey. The earthquakes keep coming hard and fast this year, causing people to wonder if something sinister is happening underfoot.
It’s not.
While it may seem as if there are more earthquakes occurring, there really aren’t. The problem is …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

United Airlines says last month’s storms on the East Coast cost it $40 million

United Airlines says storms cost it $40 million

CHICAGO – United Airlines says last month’s back-to-back winter storms along the East Coast cost it $40 million in revenue, trumping smaller weather-related revenue losses reported by other U.S. carriers.
United’s disclosure Monday came after US Airways reported losing $30 million, Continental $25 million and Southwest $15 million. Delta …. Read the original article  : United Airlines says last month’s storms on the East Coast cost it $40 million.

Chile’s quake-dealyed school year begins, but may be April 1 before all kids are back in class

Chile’s earthquake-delayed school year begins

SANTIAGO, Chile – Chile’s earthquake-delayed school year began Monday, but education officials said it may take until April 1 before all students are back in classrooms.
About half of the schools in the disaster zone have some damage from the 8.8-magnitude earthquake and tsunami, and others are being used as staging areas …. Original source  : Chile’s quake-dealyed school year begins, but may be April 1 before all kids are back in class.

Human rights group calls on US and Yemen to avoid civilian deaths in fight against al-Qaida

Watchdog: US, Yemen must avoid civilian casualties

SAN’A, Yemen – A human rights group has called on the U.S. and Yemen to take all possible precautions to ensure civilians are not harmed during operations against al-Qaida.
Monday’s appeal from Human Rights Watch comes after Yemen’s government acknowledged last week that 42 civilians were killed in an airstrike …. Original article  : Human rights group calls on US and Yemen to avoid civilian deaths in fight against al-Qaida.

Earthquake kills 51 in eastern Turkey as mud-brick homes collapse; survivors shiver in cold

Survivors shiver in Turkey after quake kills 51

OKCULAR, Turkey – Hundreds of earthquake survivors huddled in aid tents and around bonfires Monday in eastern Turkey, seeking relief from the winter cold after a strong temblor knocked down stone and mud-brick houses in five villages, killing 51 people.
The damage appeared worst in the Kurdish village of …. Read the original article  : Earthquake kills 51 in eastern Turkey as mud-brick homes collapse; survivors shiver in cold.

Rock slide closes I-70 in western Colorado; huge boulders litter road, leave holes in bridge

Major rock slide closes I-70 in western Colorado

DENVER – A rock slide punched gaping holes in a bridge and left huge boulders on Interstate 70, closing a 17-mile stretch of the highway in western Colorado.
The slide struck around midnight Sunday near Hanging Lake Tunnel in Glenwood Canyon, a deep, narrow chasm about 110 miles west … Read : Rock slide closes I-70 in western Colorado; huge boulders litter road, leave holes in bridge.

US general pledges to take symbolic Kandahar, Taliban stronghold, limit civilian casualties

US general pledges to secure symbolic Kandahar

KABUL – The top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan pledged Monday to retake the symbolic Taliban home ground of Kandahar in a campaign that builds on early signs of progress from the huge infusion of American and foreign forces.
“We’re absolutely going to secure Kandahar,” Gen. Stanley McChrystal told … Read : US general pledges to take symbolic Kandahar, Taliban stronghold, limit civilian casualties.

Summary Box: Winter storms cut into AirTran Airways’ sales; Other carriers also affected

Summary Box: Winter storms hurt AirTran
BOTTOM LINE: The winter storms forced AirTran to cancel over 1,400 flights. Revenue was reduced by $5 million to $6 million.

OTHER PLAYERS: US Airways and Continental Airlines have said the storms cost them a combined $55 million in lost revenue. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines haven’t released figures yet.
WHAT’S … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Summary Box: Winter storms cut into AirTran Airways’ sales; Other carriers also affected.

Series of deadly earthquakes rattle nerves, but scientists say they’re a coincidence

Deadly quakes are coincidence, scientists say

LONDON – Experts say there is nothing unusual about the latest spate of earthquakes in Haiti, Chile and now Turkey, but their devastation illustrates how growing construction along the world’s fault lines can lead to massive casualties.
Seismologists say that although one powerful quake can conceivably raise the risk for others [..] Read the original article: here.

Crane company owner indicted on manslaughter, other charges in NYC collapse that killed 2

Co. owner indicted in deadly NYC crane collapse

NEW YORK – A construction crane owner got a bargain-basement repair job on a giant rig, which fell apart and killed two workers when the fix failed, prosecutors said Monday in announcing manslaughter charges against the owner and a former mechanic.
The owner, James Lomma, and mechanic Tibor Varganyi …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Crane company owner indicted on manslaughter, other charges in NYC collapse that killed 2.

Gunmen attack Western aid group in northwest Pakistan, killing 6 people

Aid group attacked in northwest Pakistan; 6 dead

ISLAMABAD – Suspected militants armed with grenades attacked the offices of an international aid group helping earthquake survivors in northwestern Pakistan on Wednesday, killing six employees and wounding several others, police and the organization said.
All the victims of the assault on World Vision, a large Christian humanitarian group, … Original article on : Gunmen attack Western aid group in northwest Pakistan, killing 6 people.

Taliban claim responsibility for attack on NATO-Afghan base that killed 2 NATO personnel

Taliban claim suicide attack on NATO-Afghan base
KHOST, Afghanistan – The Taliban claimed responsibility Wednesday for a suicide bombing inside a U.S.-Afghan base in eastern Afghanistan that killed two NATO service members.
A Taliban operative wearing an Afghan police uniform infiltrated the base Tuesday night and detonated his explosive vest next to a group of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Taliban claim responsibility for attack on NATO-Afghan base that killed 2 NATO personnel.

Indonesian president says suspected Bali bomb mastermind shot dead by police on Java

Bali bombing suspect confirmed dead in police raid
JAKARTA, Indonesia – Indonesian counterterror authorities won international praise on Wednesday for killing a top-ranked Southeast Asian militant wanted for planning the deadly 2002 Bali bombings.
Police also revealed that bomb-making materials were found in one of two raids near Jakarta on Tuesday …. Read the original article  : Indonesian president says suspected Bali bomb mastermind shot dead by police on Java.

US hospital ship Comfort leaving Haiti as military scales back in quake-ravaged country

US hospital ship Comfort leaving Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The U.S. military hospital ship Comfort has completed its relief mission in Haiti and is heading home.

The Comfort has been stationed off the country’s coast for seven weeks treating victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake.
But the U.S. military is scaling back in Haiti and it’s time for … Read more >>.

Authorities say the 6 passengers killed in Arizona bus crash were Mexican citizens

All 6 dead in Ariz. crash were Mexican citizens

PHOENIX – Authorities say all six people killed in last week’s pre-dawn bus crash on an Arizona interstate were Mexican citizens.
The bus – operated by Van Nuys, Calif.-based Tierra Santa Inc. – was traveling from the central Mexican state of Zacatecas to Los Angeles. It was headed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Authorities say the 6 passengers killed in Arizona bus crash were Mexican citizens.

Driver of runaway Prius tells 911 operator ‘my car can’t slow down’

Prius driver’s 911 call: ‘My car can’t slow down’

EL CAJON, Calif. – The driver of a Toyota Prius that sped out of control on a San Diego County freeway sounded panicked at times as he told a dispatcher about a stuck accelerator.
A 23-minute 911 call the California Highway Patrol released Tuesday details James Sikes’ attempts … Read more : Driver of runaway Prius tells 911 operator ‘my car can’t slow down’.

No sticker shock expected at the pump: gasoline prices will rise, but not much above $3

Gas price rises seen gentler on consumer wallets

As the economy recovers, energy prices are rising and that is placing extra strain on families’ budgets.
Each spring brings a familiar ritual in gasoline markets – rising prices – and this year won’t be an exception. But motorists aren’t likely to pay much more than $3 a gallon, …. Original source  : No sticker shock expected at the pump: gasoline prices will rise, but not much above $3.

Eritrean pleads not guilty in NYC to aiding Somali terrorist group linked to al-Qaida

Eritrean pleads not guilty to aiding terrorists

NEW YORK – Evidence collected by the United States against an East African charged with providing support to a Somali terrorist organization linked to al-Qaida includes lengthy statements he made to authorities, a prosecutor told a judge Tuesday.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher LaVigne made the revelation during a plea proceeding … Read more : Eritrean pleads not guilty in NYC to aiding Somali terrorist group linked to al-Qaida.

UK crackdown on dangerous dogs could make insurance, microchips mandatory for all

Mandatory insurance proposed for UK dogs
LONDON – A chip for Spot? In a country where guns are tightly controlled and even carrying a kitchen knife can bring prison time, some thugs use dogs to menace their victims. Now the British government is proposing that dog owners be forced to get microchips and take out insurance … Original article on : UK crackdown on dangerous dogs could make insurance, microchips mandatory for all.

Mass. scientists’ pioneering $1M submersible robot lost at sea exploring coast off Chile

Pioneering Mass. robot lost at sea off Chile coast

FALMOUTH, Mass. – A pioneering deep-sea robot made by Massachusetts researchers has been lost off the coast of Chile.
Researchers abruptly lost contact with the $1.1 million robot Friday after it reached the Pacific Ocean floor, nearly 2 miles down.
Scientists believe a glass sphere that helped keep the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Mass. scientists’ pioneering $1M submersible robot lost at sea exploring coast off Chile.

Carl Edwards put on probation for 3 races by NASCAR for wrecking Keselowski’s car in Atlanta

NASCAR puts Carl Edwards on probation for 3 races

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Sticking with its “boys, have at it” attitude, NASCAR won’t force Carl Edwards to miss any races after he deliberately wrecked Brad Keselowski’s car last weekend in Atlanta.
Edwards will be on probation for three races and monitored by NASCAR through the April 10 race … Original article on : Carl Edwards put on probation for 3 races by NASCAR for wrecking Keselowski’s car in Atlanta.

Ohio doctor convicted of wife’s 2005 cyanide poisoning death gets 20-years-to-life in prison

Ohio doctor gets 20-to-life in wife’s poison death

CLEVELAND – Relatives of the victim sobbed and held each other as a judge handed down a life prison term Tuesday for a doctor convicted of killing his wife by lacing her calcium supplement with cyanide so he could be with his mistress.
Yazeed Essa, 41, won’t be eligible … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ohio doctor convicted of wife’s 2005 cyanide poisoning death gets 20-years-to-life in prison.

Federal investigators sent to determine cause of reported runaway Prius on California freeway

Feds to probe cause of runaway Prius in California

EL CAJON, Calif. – A Toyota Prius that sped out of control on a California freeway was towed to a dealership Tuesday while federal and company inspectors converged on the car to determine whether a stuck gas pedal was to blame.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sent … Read more »»».

Summary Box: Snow storms in Jan., Feb. eat into important sales figure at Burger King

Summary Box: Snowy weather cuts into BK sales

SNOWY SALES: Burger King said back-to-back months of winter weather will drag down its fiscal third quarter results. The weather cut a key sales measure by 8.2 percent in January and February as storms buried much of the central and eastern U.S. in snow.
LAST YEAR: During the same …. Source article  : Summary Box: Snow storms in Jan., Feb. eat into important sales figure at Burger King.

Coast Guard begins hearing into collision that caused worst Texas oil spill in 15 years

Coast Guard begins hearing on Texas oil spill

PORT ARTHUR, Texas – An 800-foot tanker struggling with poor visibility and strong winds apparently failed to center itself in a narrow waterway off the Gulf of Mexico, possibly contributing to a collision with a tugboat that caused the largest oil spill in Texas in 15 years, according …. Original source  : Coast Guard begins hearing into collision that caused worst Texas oil spill in 15 years.

Oklahoma tornado destroys homes, kicks off action in Tornado Alley after slow start to season

After slow start, tornado season under way

OKLAHOMA CITY – Forecasters say a wetter-than-usual winter and a jet stream ripping over the part of the country known as “Tornado Alley” could lead to an active spring – perhaps starting with the strong twister that nicked a small western Oklahoma town Monday night.
“It’s time to get ready,” …. Source article  : Oklahoma tornado destroys homes, kicks off action in Tornado Alley after slow start to season.

Delta Air Lines says winter storms in February reduced revenue by $65 million

Delta says Feb. storms cut revenue by $65M

ATLANTA – Delta Air Lines says it lost $65 million in revenue because of the repeated winter storms in February, which forced it to cancel roughly 7,000 flights.
The airline provided the figures in a regulatory filing ahead of an investor conference on Tuesday.
Other airlines also have reported large … Read more : Delta Air Lines says winter storms in February reduced revenue by $65 million.

Turkey earthquake: leaders pledge safer homes, but past promises have had limited impact

Turkey pledges safer homes after quake
OKCULAR, Turkey – Turkey’s leaders pledged Tuesday to build quake-proof homes after a magnitude 6 temblor shattered mud-brick homes in the eastern part of the country, killing 51 people. Still, similar promises after devastating earthquakes in the west in 1999 have had limited impact.

The quake near the remote village of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Turkey earthquake: leaders pledge safer homes, but past promises have had limited impact.

Authorities say fire sparked by static kills Pa. man as he fills tank at gas station

Fire sparked by static kills gas pumper in Pa.

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Authorities in Pennsylvania say a gas station patron died when static electricity ignited a fire as he filled up his tank.
Authorities say 19-year-old L. David Byers of central Pennsylvania died early Friday at the gas station in Camp Hill.
A gas station equipment expert says …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

UN pays tribute to 101 staff killed in Haiti earthquake, the single greatest UN loss

UN pays tribute to 101 staff killed in Haiti

UNITED NATIONS – An emotional Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paid tribute Tuesday to “the 101 heroes” working for the United Nations who were killed in the Haiti earthquake, the single greatest loss for the world body in its 64-year history.
Hundreds of U.N. staff joined relatives of those who …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : UN pays tribute to 101 staff killed in Haiti earthquake, the single greatest UN loss.

Several homes damaged, 4 injured, as tornadoes cut path through Arkansas

Homes damaged, 4 injured, in Arkansas tornadoes

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Tornadoes have struck parts of Arkansas, injuring four people and destroying a handful of homes.
Emergency Management spokeswoman Renee Preslar says three people suffered major injuries Wednesday in a tornado that destroyed a house near Pearson in northern Arkansas.
The National Weather Service says another person suffered …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Several homes damaged, 4 injured, as tornadoes cut path through Arkansas.

Everest Re estimates loss from Chile earthquake at $225M; claims from Europe windstorm at $25M

Reinsurer Everest Re Chile quake loss hits $225M

NEW YORK – Reinsurer Everest Re Group Ltd. on Wednesday estimated its preliminary loss relating to the earthquake in Chile at $225 million.
The powerful Feb. 27 quake left at least 497 dead and hundreds missing. Everest Re said its estimates are based on preliminary analyses and client input.
Bermuda-based [..] Read the original article: here.

Haitian quake disproportionately killed educated workers vital to country’s reconstruction

Lost in the ruins: Haiti’s best and brightest

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – They kept the books, had the training and fixed the computers. They were the educated few of Haiti, an up-and-coming generation of nurses, technicians, office managers and college students.
Now they’re gone – just when their struggling country needs them most.
The Jan. 12 earthquake struck just … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Haitian quake disproportionately killed educated workers vital to country’s reconstruction.

5 of 6 killed in Arizona bus crash were California residents; all were Mexican citizens

5 of 6 killed in Ariz. bus crash were Californians

PHOENIX – Authorities say five of the six people killed in an Arizona bus crash were California residents, and all were Mexican citizens.
A medical examiner on Wednesday said two lived in Bakersfield, Calif.: 56-year-old Hermalinda Roman De Hernandez and Margarita Roman DeHaro, age unknown.
Margarita Banuelos was …. Source  : 5 of 6 killed in Arizona bus crash were California residents; all were Mexican citizens.

Federal regulators probe NY Prius crash; driver says accelerator stuck, not seriously hurt

Feds probe Toyota Prius crash in NYC suburb

HARRISON, N.Y. – The crash of a Toyota Prius in New York caught the attention of federal regulators Wednesday after the driver said it accelerated on its own, then lurched down a driveway, across a road and into a stone wall.
The crash heightens the attention surrounding unintended acceleration … Read more : Federal regulators probe NY Prius crash; driver says accelerator stuck, not seriously hurt.

Iran: US is playing ‘double game’ in Afghanistan, fighting militants it once supported

US-Iran tension plays out in Afghanistan
KABUL – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad used a brief visit to Afghanistan on Wednesday to lob insults at the United States and argue that international forces won’t stop terrorism and will only lead to more civilian deaths.

Ahmadinejad said the United States was playing a “double game” in Afghanistan, fighting militants … Read more : Iran: US is playing ‘double game’ in Afghanistan, fighting militants it once supported.

House votes to allow faster tax breaks for donors to Chile quake victims; bill goes to Senate

House votes for faster tax breaks for Chile gifts

WASHINGTON – The House has passed a bill that would allow taxpayers to write off charitable donations to Chile earthquake relief efforts when they file their 2009 taxes this spring.
Under current law, donors would have to wait until next year, when they file their 2010 returns, to …. Read the original article  : here.

Chile’s Bachelet, despite criticism, gets high praise from disaster experts for quake response

Disaster experts praise Chile quake response

SANTIAGO, Chile – President Michelle Bachelet leaves office Thursday with a chunk of her country in ruins – and her popularity in the clouds.
Despite complaints that aid was slow to reach the hungry and homeless, experts say Chile’s response to one of history’s most powerful earthquakes has been a model …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Chile’s Bachelet, despite criticism, gets high praise from disaster experts for quake response.

Russian traffic police force civilians to form highway shield to stop suspect

Russian drivers forced to act as shield
MOSCOW – Russian traffic police are under investigation for ordering civilian motorists to park their cars across a highway – and remain inside – to block a fleeing criminal suspect, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Drivers who were part of Friday’s incident told Russian television that the suspect’s speeding vehicle broke through … Read more >>.

Haitian President Preval thanks US for support, calls for world to act on lessons learned

Haitian President Preval thanks US for support

WASHINGTON – Haitian President Rene Preval (reh-NAY’ preh-VAHL’) has visited the White House to thank President Obama and the American people for all the help his country received after January’s massive earthquake.
Preval expressed appreciation Wednesday, not just for all of the material support provided but for the moral support …. Source article  : Haitian President Preval thanks US for support, calls for world to act on lessons learned.

Obama tells visiting Haitian president US will remain committed to recovery and reconstruction

Obama renews backing of earthquake-stricken Haiti
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Wednesday renewed America’s commitment to the recovery and reconstruction of earthquake-devastated Haiti, telling visiting President Rene Preval he knows the crisis has not passed.
After an Oval Office meeting, Obama stood beside Preval in the White House Rose Garden to …. Source  : Obama tells visiting Haitian president US will remain committed to recovery and reconstruction.

Turkish officials lower quake death toll by 10 to 41, citing inaccurate reports

Turkish officials lower quake death toll to 41

KAYALIK, Turkey – Turkish officials on Wednesday lowered the death toll in this week’s magnitude 6 earthquake from 51 to 41.
A statement issued by the governor’s office in the eastern province of Elazig said erroneous reporting was responsible for the earlier toll in Monday’s temblor.
NTV and Haberturk television … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Turkish officials lower quake death toll by 10 to 41, citing inaccurate reports.

Russian traffic police accused of forcing civilians to form highway shield to stop suspect

Russian drivers allegedly forced to act as shield

MOSCOW – Russian traffic police are under investigation for ordering civilian motorists to park their cars across a highway – and remain inside – to block a fleeing criminal suspect, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Drivers who were part of Friday’s incident told Russian television that the suspect’s speeding vehicle broke … Read more »».

Pakistani officials say suspected US missile strike kills 4 people in the country’s northwest

Pakistan officials: Suspected US missiles kill 4

PARACHINAR, Pakistan – Pakistani officials say suspected U.S. drones have fired missiles at a house and nearby truck in the country’s northwest near the Afghan border, killing at least four people.
Local government official Sabir Khan said Wednesday’s attack occurred in the Mazer Meda Khel area of the North Waziristan …. Original article  : Pakistani officials say suspected US missile strike kills 4 people in the country’s northwest.

Obama to meet with Haiti’s Preval for discussions on rebuilding after quake

Obama hosts Haitin President Preval for talks
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama meets Wednesday with his Haitian counterpart, Rene Preval, who has come to Washington to thank Americans for the massive outpouring of earthquake aid and to outline what still is needed.
Preval saw Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Tuesday, on a mission …. Original source  : Obama to meet with Haiti’s Preval for discussions on rebuilding after quake.

Obama to meet with Haiti’s Pr??val for discussions on rebuilding after quake

Obama hosts Haiti’s President Preval for talks
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is hosting his Haitian counterpart, Rene Preval, who wants to thank Americans for the massive outpouring of earthquake aid and outline what still is needed.
Preval saw Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Tuesday, on a mission that will prove critical to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Obama to meet with Haiti’s Pr??val for discussions on rebuilding after quake.

NY police probe Toyota Prius crash; driver says accelerator stuck, was not seriously injured

Police probe Toyota Prius crash in NYC suburb

HARRISON, N.Y. – The driver of a Toyota Prius told police in suburban New York that the car accelerated on its own, then lurched down a driveway, across a road and into a stone wall.
The 2005 Prius was driving forward Tuesday down a curving driveway, which is several … Read : NY police probe Toyota Prius crash; driver says accelerator stuck, was not seriously injured.

Gunmen attack US-based Christian aid group in northwest Pakistan, killing 6 people

US aid group attacked in NW Pakistan; 6 dead

ISLAMABAD – Suspected militants armed with assault rifles and a homemade bomb attacked the offices of a U.S.-based Christian aid group helping earthquake survivors in northwestern Pakistan on Wednesday, killing six Pakistani employees, police and the organization said.
The attack prompted World Vision, a major international humanitarian group, …. Original source  : Gunmen attack US-based Christian aid group in northwest Pakistan, killing 6 people.

Swiss Re puts total cost to insurance industry of Chile quake at $4-7 billion

Swiss Re puts Chile quake insurance cost at $4-7BN

GENEVA – Swiss Reinsurance Co. said Wednesday that the strong earthquake in Chile last month will cost the insurance industry $4-7 billion, an estimate shared by its Germany-based rival Munich Re AG.
Swiss Re said it is common practice for property owners in Chile to buy earthquake insurance, … Original article on : Swiss Re puts total cost to insurance industry of Chile quake at $4-7 billion.

Repair of Prague’s legendary Charles Bridge sparks complaints renovation work went wrong

Czech repair of famed Charles Bridge faces protest

PRAGUE – Built like a mighty fortress, Charles Bridge has survived floods and fires over the past 650 years. But conservationists are warning that the storied span linking Prague’s two oldest neighborhoods might succumb to a different threat – renovation.
There is no question the bridge, part of a …. Read the original article  : Repair of Prague’s legendary Charles Bridge sparks complaints renovation work went wrong.

NHRC may or may not take a view on Aarushi case

NEW DELHI – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), approached by counsel of the accused in the Aarushi murder case alleging torture by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), said they “may or may not” take a view on the case.

“The commission will take its due course of time to take a decision on the … Read : NHRC may or may not take a view on Aarushi case.

Japan arrests New Zealand anti-whaling activist for illegally boarding Japanese vessel

Japan arrests whaling activist for boarding ship

TOKYO – Japan’s coast guard arrested an anti-whaling activist from New Zealand on Friday for illegally boarding a whaling ship last month in the latest incident in the ongoing battle over Japanese whaling.
Peter Bethune, a member of the U.S.-based Sea Shepherd activist group, is accused of jumping aboard the … Original article on : Japan arrests New Zealand anti-whaling activist for illegally boarding Japanese vessel.

Nepal Army kills three Dalit women

KATHMANDU – Only 48 hours after Nepal’s communist-led government declared International Women’s Day a national public holiday, soldiers shot dead three Dalit women, including a 12-year-old girl, while the authorities tried to hush it up by alleging it to be a shoot-out.

The three victims were identified as Chandrakala Bishwokarma, 12, Devisara Bishwokarma, 35, and Amrita … Read more : Nepal Army kills three Dalit women.

Suicide bombings kill 15, wound 35 in Pakistan’s Lahore, second attack this week in the city

Suicide bombs kill 15, wound 35 in Pakistani city

LAHORE, Pakistan – A pair of suicide bombers targeting army vehicles detonated explosives within seconds of each other Friday, killing at least 15 people in this eastern city, police said. It was the fourth major attack in Pakistan this week, indicating Islamist militants are stepping up violence … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Suicide bombings kill 15, wound 35 in Pakistan’s Lahore, second attack this week in the city.

Heavy rain and melting snow cause severe flooding in Kazakhstan, claiming lives

Heavy rain causes severe flooding in Kazakhstan

ALMATY, Kazakhstan – Heavy rain and melting snow have caused severe floods across a region of Kazakhstan neighboring China, flooding villages and claiming lives, emergency officials said Friday.
Southern Kazakhstan was affected by unusually intense snowfalls this winter and fast-rising temperatures are now causing massive flooding and mudslides across the … Read more »»».

Goa Police quizzed on nexus with drug mafia

PANAJI – The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has contacted the Goa Police over the alleged involvement of some of its officers with the narcotics mafia, state Chief Secretary Sanjeev Srivastava said Friday.

“The NCB has already contacted the Goa Police on the drugs issue,” Srivastava told IANS.
The Goa government was concerned with the developments … Read more »».

Chile’s new president asks citizens to dry tears and go to work in rebuilding after quake

Pinera works late, promises better dawn for Chile

SANTIAGO, Chile – Calling on Chileans to dry their tears and get to work to rebuild the nation, Sebastian Pinera is already setting an example.
Meeting late into the night with his ministers after a day when repeated earthquakes shook up inaugural ceremonies, the new president vowed “to work …. Original source  : Chile’s new president asks citizens to dry tears and go to work in rebuilding after quake.

Suicide bombing kills at least 12, wounds 35 in eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, police say

Suicide bomb kills 12, wounds 35 in Pakistani city

LAHORE, Pakistan – A suicide bomber targeting an army vehicle in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore killed 12 people Friday, police said. It was the second attack in the city this week, indicating militants may be stepping up assaults on the country after a period of …. Original source  : Suicide bombing kills at least 12, wounds 35 in eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, police say.

Police say attack in Pakistan’s Lahore was suicide bomb targeting army vehicle, 26 hurt

Police say bomb wounds 26 in Pakistan’s Lahore

LAHORE, Pakistan – Police say a suicide bomber targeting an army vehicle struck the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, wounding at least 26 people.
Police official Mohammad Riaz said several soldiers were among the wounded. Gunshots also were heard after the blast in the RA Bazaar, which lies in …. Source  : Police say attack in Pakistan’s Lahore was suicide bomb targeting army vehicle, 26 hurt.

Police say bomb explodes in eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, casualties feared

Police say bomb hits Pakistani city of Lahore

ISLAMABAD – A bomb blast shook the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Friday, the second attack there this week and an indication that militants may be stepping up assaults on the country after weeks of relative calm.
Casualties were feared in the blast, which was followed by gunshots, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Police say bomb explodes in eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, casualties feared.

In Marjah, a new way of fighting reveals gains and pitfalls in fighting larger Afghan war

Marjah push: Ups and downs are lessons for future
EDITOR’S NOTE: Alfred de Montesquiou, an Associated Press correspondent embedded with U.S. Marines in the battle for the Afghan town of Marjah, was able to observe some of the lessons of the fighting and hear from the officers in command how they are being absorbed.
MARJAH, …. Source article  : In Marjah, a new way of fighting reveals gains and pitfalls in fighting larger Afghan war.

Kidnapped Indian businessman rescued in Philippines

MANILA – Police officers rescued an Indian businessman a day after he was kidnapped by four unidentified gunmen in the Philippines, a provincial police chief said Friday.

Remmi Kumar Chonkria, 33, was rescued Thursday during a police raid on his abductors’ hideout in San Pablo City in Laguna province, 75 km south of Manila, Senior Superintendent …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Kidnapped Indian businessman rescued in Philippines.

Afghan insurgents kill 3 police in gun and bomb attack on post in eastern province

Afghan insurgents kill 3 police in attack on post

KABUL – Insurgents attacked a police post in eastern Afghanistan with guns and then detonated a roadside bomb as reinforcements sped to the scene, killing three members of an elite strike force, police said Friday.
Among the dead was the commander of the new police rapid-reaction force created …. Original article  : Afghan insurgents kill 3 police in gun and bomb attack on post in eastern province.

Senior cleric, three others killed in Pakistan attack

ISLAMABAD – Four people, including a senior Muslim cleric, were killed in a drive-by shooting in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi, police said Friday.

Mufti Saeed Ahmed Jalalpuri, the senior leader of the Sunni Muslim group Jamaat ahl-e-Sunna, his son, and two associates died when four gunmen riding on two motorbikes opened fire at their … Read : Senior cleric, three others killed in Pakistan attack.

Teenaged girl kills child to attain occult powers

LUCKNOW – A teenaged girl in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district allegedly killed a three-year-old boy to “attain occult powers”, police said Friday.

The 15-year-old girl strangulated the child of her neighbour late Thursday evening in the Chandiyana village of Bulandshahr, some 400 km from Lucknow.
“While the girl was performing some prayers with the body of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Teenaged girl kills child to attain occult powers.

Natural gas line explodes northeast of Oklahoma City, sending wind-whipped flames into the air

Gas line explodes northeast of Oklahoma City

CHANDLER, Okla. – A natural gas line explosion northeast of Oklahoma City sent flames into the air but caused little damage and no injuries.
Oklahoma Natural Gas spokesman Don Sherry says the fire burned out after crews shut off the flow of gas to the pipeline Thursday afternoon.
The blast happened …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Natural gas line explodes northeast of Oklahoma City, sending wind-whipped flames into the air.

Car lifters’ gang busted in Punjab

RAJPURA – Five members of a gang have been arrested for stealing cars from the parking areas of busy markets in this town in Punjab’s Patiala district, police said Friday.

Five cars, 25 mobile phones and 70 car batteries were recovered from the gang, police said.
“To dodge the police, one of the gang members, who … Read more »»».

`Princess Diana died as attempt to scare her went wrong’

LONDON – Princess Diana died as an attempt to scare her to leave her lover Dodi Fayed went terribly wrong, a lawyer has said.

Michael Mansfield, who represented Dodi’s father Mohamed Al Fayed at the inquest in 2008 into Diana and Fayed’s deaths, said Diana’s killers had no intention of ending her life in a Paris …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : `Princess Diana died as attempt to scare her went wrong’.

Argentina’s `robbery of the century’ upstaged by new heist

Buenos Aires, March 12 (IANS/EFE) Argentine police are investigating a spectacular assault on a Buenos Aires bank amid the trial of those accused of pulling off the 2006 heist dubbed the “robbery of the century”.

The robbery was staged last weekend, but the police could not get into the bank until Monday and authorities still have …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Craig Anderson makes 27 saves for 7th shutout of season, Avs beat Panthers 3-0

Anderson, Avs shut out Panthers
DENVER – Craig Anderson made 27 saves to move into a tie for the NHL shutout lead with seven, and Paul Stastny scored twice in the Colorado Avalanche’s 3-0 victory over the Florida Panthers on Thursday night.

Anderson matched New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur, Phoenix’s Ilya Bryzgalov and Florida’s Tomas Vokoun for the …. Original source  : Craig Anderson makes 27 saves for 7th shutout of season, Avs beat Panthers 3-0.

Roadside bomb kills 6 civilians in central Afghanistan

Roadside bomb kills 6 civilians in Afghanistan

KABUL – A remote-controlled bomb killed six Afghan civilians Saturday as they traveled in a central province, an official said.
Insurgents detonated the explosives planted in a road as the civilians’ vehicle passed by in Tirin Kot, capital of central Uruzgan province, according to Zemarai Bashary, a spokesman for the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Roadside bomb kills 6 civilians in central Afghanistan.

Kazakhstan flooding death toll rises to 30 as recovery efforts pick up pace

Kazakhstan flooding death toll rises to 30

ALMATY, Kazakhstan – The death toll from a massive flood that devastated a village in southern Kazakhstan has risen to 30, officials said Saturday.
A dam at a reservoir in the eastern Almaty region neighboring China ruptured Thursday evening, unleashing torrents almost 2 meters (6.5 feet) high and completely destroying …. Original source  : Kazakhstan flooding death toll rises to 30 as recovery efforts pick up pace.

Chile will take years to recover from quake impact: president

SANTIAGO – Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has said the Feb 27 earthquake and the following tsunami had cost the nation tens of billions of dollars and left an impact that would be felt for years.

Pinera Friday said at a press conference that the 8.8-magnitude earthquake, the fifth largest ever recorded in the world, would …. Original article  : Chile will take years to recover from quake impact: president.

Police say suicide attack at security checkpoint kills 10 people in northwest Pakistan

Suicide attack in northwest Pakistan kills 10

ISLAMABAD – A suicide attacker set off a bomb at a security checkpoint in northwest Pakistan on Saturday, killing at least 10 people and injuring 52, officials and a doctor said, underscoring the relentless security threat to this Islamic nation.
The attacker, who was driving a three-wheeled motorized rickshaw, detonated … Read : Police say suicide attack at security checkpoint kills 10 people in northwest Pakistan.

Fake currency notes of Rs.2.48 crore recovered

LUCKNOW – Fake currency notes of Rs.2.48 crore were recovered from a train in Uttar Pradesh’s Chanduali district, a railway official said Saturday.

The fake notes and maps of Thailand were recovered from two bags Friday night from an AC coach of the Delhi-bound Purushottam Express at the Mugalsarai railway station in Chanduali, about 300 km … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Fake currency notes of Rs.2.48 crore recovered.

Former mayor held for allegedly duping daughter-in-law

AGRA – Former Agra mayor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kishori Lal Mahaur has been arrested following a complaint from his widowed daughter-in-law who accused him of duping her of property, police said Saturday.

He was held Friday and has been remanded to judicial custody till March 25.
Mahaur’s daughter-in-law Vandana has alleged that the …. Original article  : Former mayor held for allegedly duping daughter-in-law.

Magnitude-6 quake strikes Indonesia’s West Papua

JAKARTA – A magnitude-6 earthquake struck the eastern Indonesian province of West Papua before midday Saturday, but there were no immediate reports of injury or damage, geophysicists said.

The quake took place at a depth of 30 km and was centred about 342 km north-west of the Manokwari district, the Indonesian Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) … Read more : Magnitude-6 quake strikes Indonesia’s West Papua.

30 hurt in Muslim-Christian clashes in Egypt

CAIRO – Thirty people were injured when clashes broke out between Christians and Muslims in a rural area in northern Egypt, media reports said.

Fighting erupted late Friday in the north-western governorate of Mersa Matrouh over a fence Muslims said had been built to take over a piece of land to build a church, the BBC … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 30 hurt in Muslim-Christian clashes in Egypt.

Police say suicide attack at security checkpoint kills at least 7 people in northwest Pakistan

Suicide attack in northwest Pakistan kills 7

ISLAMABAD – A suicide attacker struck a security checkpoint in northwest Pakistan on Saturday, killing at least seven people and injuring 26.
The attacker – who was in a three-wheeled auto-rickshaw – detonated explosives in the Saidu Sharif town of Swat district, police official Qazi Farooq said.
Army spokesman Maj. Mushtaq … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Police say suicide attack at security checkpoint kills at least 7 people in northwest Pakistan.

Four injured in refrigerator blast

NEW DELHI – Four members of a family, including two children, were injured early Saturday when the compressor of their refrigerator exploded in their home in east Delhi’s Shahdara area.

A fire department official said: “The family of four included a man Ramesh, his wife Raina and their two children aged three and half and one …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Four injured in refrigerator blast.

Police say suicide attack at security checkpoint kills at least 5 people in northwest Pakistan

Suicide attack in northwest Pakistan kills 5

ISLAMABAD – Officials say at least five people have been killed in a suicide car bombing in northwest Pakistan.
Army spokesman Maj. Mushtaq Khan says the attacker detonated the car bomb near a security checkpoint in the Swat district.
Police official Mohammed Anfal says nearly two dozen people were also wounded …. Source  : Police say suicide attack at security checkpoint kills at least 5 people in northwest Pakistan.

5.6 magnitude quake hits Meghalaya

SHILLONG – A 5.6 magnitude earthquake rocked Meghalaya Saturday morning, triggering panic among residents. No casualties have been reported.

According to the Regional Seismological Centre here, the tremor was felt at 4.50 a.m. in most parts of Meghalaya.
Seven northeastern states are considered by seismologists to be the sixth most earthquake-prone belt in the world.
…. Original article  : 5.6 magnitude quake hits Meghalaya.

Brave Bihar girl’s national award stolen

PATNA – Bihar’s young teenage icon Farzana Begum, who was given the National Bravery Award for saving five people from drowning, alleges her medal has been stolen from her house.

Farzana, 18, told IANS: “The medal given to me for my bravery has been stolen. I am shocked… The medal was kept in an iron box [..] Read the original article: here.

UN chief heading to Haiti for second post-quake tour to discuss upcoming donors conference

UN chief making second post-quake visit to Haiti
UNITED NATIONS – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he is heading to Haiti on Sunday for his second visit since the devastating earthquake to prepare for the upcoming donors conference to raise money for reconstruction.
Ban flew to Haiti on Jan. 17 – five days after the the … Read more >>>.

Chile faces $30B price tag for quake recovery, but in better position to pay than Haiti

Chile faces huge recovery cost, but can go it solo

SANTIAGO, Chile – Chile may need to spend twice as much as Haiti to recover from its devastating quake and tsunami, but it doesn’t have the same desperate need for international aid or generous loans.
Thanks to surplus stashed away in better times, Chile will be able …. Source article  : Chile faces $30B price tag for quake recovery, but in better position to pay than Haiti.

Chile quake damage estimated at $30 bn

SANTIAGO – Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has said property worth $30 billion damaged in the 8.8-magnitude quake in the country last month, Xinhua reported.

“The property losses caused by the earthquake and (the ensuing) tsunami are estimated at $30 billion,” Pinera said at a press conference Friday.
The Feb 27 earthquake damaged houses, hospitals, schools and …. Original source  : Chile quake damage estimated at $30 bn.

Sen. Reid’s wife has surgery for broken neck suffered in traffic crash; no risk of paralysis

Reid’s wife undergoes surgery after traffic crash

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s wife underwent surgery Friday to stabilize serious injuries suffered when a tractor-trailer rear-ended the minivan she and their daughter were riding in on an interstate highway.
The surgery successfully stabilized 69-year-old Landra Reid’s broken neck, said intensive care physician Elizabeth Franco, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sen. Reid’s wife has surgery for broken neck suffered in traffic crash; no risk of paralysis.

Product recalls this week include machetes, nail guns, heat packs, voltage detectors, jackets

Recalls this week: machetes, nail guns, heat packs

The need for caution should be obvious to anyone using products like machetes and nail guns. But what about microwaveable heat packs?
All three products are included in this week’s list of recalls. The machetes can get stuck in wood while in use, creating the risk that the user’s … Read more : Product recalls this week include machetes, nail guns, heat packs, voltage detectors, jackets.

2 months after Haiti quake, still no shelter for legions of quake survivors as rains approach

2 months after Haiti quake, housing still elusive

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Trash and sewage are piling up at the squalid tent camps that hundreds of thousands have called home since Haiti’s devastating earthquake – and with torrential rains expected any day, authorities are not even close to providing the shelters they promised.
Two months since the Jan. …. Read the original article  : 2 months after Haiti quake, still no shelter for legions of quake survivors as rains approach.

Ambulance crew that responded to Tiger Woods crash thought it involved domestic violence

Woods responders concerned about domestic violence

ORLANDO, Fla. – The ambulance crew that responded after Tiger Woods crashed his SUV would not allow his wife to ride with him to the hospital because they suspected domestic violence, documents released Friday by the Florida Highway Patrol show.
But a police officer who responded said he didn’t know where …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Ambulance crew that responded to Tiger Woods crash thought it involved domestic violence.

Moderate quake in Himachal, Punjab

SHIMLA – An earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale Sunday struck Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, an official said here.

An earthquake of moderate intensity hit Himachal Pradesh and Punjab at 12.23 p.m. The tremors were felt for a few seconds only. There is no report of any loss of life and damage to property, meteorological … Read more »»».

Strong earthquake rocks central Japan, rattles buildings in Tokyo; no reports of damage

Strong earthquake rocks central Japan
TOKYO – A strong earthquake hit off the eastern coast of central Japan on Sunday, rattling buildings across a broad swath of the country, including the crowded Tokyo capital.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, and the government said there was no danger from tsunamis.
The quake had an initial …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Strong earthquake rocks central Japan, rattles buildings in Tokyo; no reports of damage.

Storm leaves Northeast soggy, windblown and dark; more than 500,000 without power at its peak

Storm leaves Northeast soggy, windblown and dark

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Utility crews pushed through fallen trees and windblown debris to reach downed power lines Sunday, working to restore electricity to more than a half-million homes and businesses after strong winds and heavy rain wreaked havoc in parts of the Northeast.
The storm, which battered parts of …. Read the original article  : Storm leaves Northeast soggy, windblown and dark; more than 500,000 without power at its peak.

Ranjit Bajaj’s second bodyguard held

PANCHKULA – The second bodyguard of a former bureaucrat couple’s son, Ranjit Bajaj, has been arrested for attacking the son of a Punjab and Haryana High Court judge, officials said here Sunday. Bajaj is also in jail after evading arrest for a month.

Mahinder Singh was taken into custody late Saturday from his house in … Original article on : Ranjit Bajaj’s second bodyguard held.

Military report: Filipino militant with links to foreign financiers leads Abu Sayyaf faction

Militant with money links leads Abu Sayyaf faction

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino militant wanted by Washington has become leader of a key faction of Abu Sayyaf, the al-Qaida-linked extremist group in the southern Philippines for which he has previously acquired foreign funding, the Philippine military says.
A military report obtained by The Associated Press Sunday says … Read more »».

Three infants die after vaccination

BHOPAL – Three infants died and 17 were taken ill after they were given anti-measles shots in a government health centre in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district, officials said Sunday. A nurse has been booked for negligence.

Three children, aged between 2 to 12 months – died and 17 fell ill Saturday after being given the vaccine … Original source on Gaea Times at : Three infants die after vaccination.

Woman, 92, held for killing husband

SYDNEY – A 92-year-old woman has been charged with murder after her husband, 98, was found dead at their home in this Australian city, a media report said Sunday.

Police arrived at the couple’s apartment on Liverpool Street in Surry Hills at about 9.40 p.m. Friday, after a relative showed concern over the man’s welfare, Australian … Read more : Woman, 92, held for killing husband.

Search continues after avalanche hits snowmobile gathering; at least 3 dead

At least 3 snowmobilers dead in Canadian avalanche

REVELSTOKE, British Columbia – An avalanche struck a rally of up to 200 snowmobilers in Canada’s Rocky Mountains on Saturday, killing at least three people and leaving an unknown number missing, police said.
Rescuers were still scouring remote Boulder Mountain, near Revelstoke, British Columbia, early Sunday morning, the Royal …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Manipuri woman molested in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A 22-year-old woman from Manipur was allegedly molested

near Munirka bus stop in south Delhi, police said Sunday.
According to police, Sonia (name changed), who lives with her sister in Munirka, was walking alone towards the bus stop around midnight Saturday when a 28-year-old man molested her.
“Sonia goes …. Original article  : Manipuri woman molested in Delhi.

Search continues after avalanche hits snowmobile gathering; at least 1 dead

At least 1 snowmobiler dead in Canadian avalanche

REVELSTOKE, British Columbia – An avalanche struck a rally of up to 200 snowmobilers in Canada’s Rocky Mountains on Saturday, killing at least one person and leaving an unknown number missing, police said.
Rescuers were still scouring remote Boulder Mountain, near Revelstoke, British Columbia, early Sunday morning, the Royal …. Original source  : Search continues after avalanche hits snowmobile gathering; at least 1 dead.

Kandahar governor demands more Afghan forces, NATO help after 12 explosions kill dozens

Afghan gov. wants more troops after 12 explosions

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – The governor of Kandahar province demanded more security around Afghanistan’s largest southern city Sunday after 12 explosions killed dozens of people in the Taliban heartland that will be the target of the war’s next major offensive.
The coordinated attacks around Kandahar city Saturday night included two …. Source article  : Kandahar governor demands more Afghan forces, NATO help after 12 explosions kill dozens.

APNewsBreak: Probe raises questions about driver’s description of runaway Prius in Calif.

APNewsBreak: Probe questions runaway Prius story

SAN DIEGO – Investigators with Toyota Motor Corp. and the federal government were unable to make a Toyota Prius speed out of control as its owner said it did on a California freeway, according to a draft memorandum obtained Saturday by The Associated Press that casts doubt on the driver’s …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : APNewsBreak: Probe raises questions about driver’s description of runaway Prius in Calif..

Eight shot dead at Mexican birthday party

Mexico City, March 14 (IANS/EFE) Eight people were killed by a group of gunmen during a birthday party at a ranch in the northwestern Mexican state of Sinaloa, media reports said.

Around a dozen men travelling in two SUVs arrived at the ranch outside the town of Bachoco and began firing at the party-goers, the daily …. Original article  : Eight shot dead at Mexican birthday party.

Northeast storm leaves 500,000 without power, 500 passengers stuck on NJ train for 5 hours

Northeast storm leaves half-million without power

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Strong winds and heavy rain pounded parts of the Northeast on Saturday, knocking out power to more than a half-million homes and businesses and stranding about 500 passengers on a New York-bound train for more than six hours.
The New Jersey Transit train became stuck on the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Northeast storm leaves 500,000 without power, 500 passengers stuck on NJ train for 5 hours.

Pounding rain, blustery wind knock out power to 500,000 homes, businesses in Northeast

Northeast storm darkens 500,000 homes, businesses

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Strong winds and heavy rain pounded parts of the Northeast, knocking out power to more than a half-million homes and businesses, delaying and diverting flights, and stranding about 500 passengers on a train for more than five hours.
New Jersey Transit spokeswoman Penny Bassett Hackett said a …. Read the original article  : here.

500 passengers stranded 5 hours on NY-bound NJ Transit train after storm floods tracks

500 stranded on NJ Transit train for 5 hours

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Transit officials say 500 passengers have been stranded on a New Jersey Transit northbound train for more than five hours because of flooding on the tracks from a powerful storm.
NJ Transit spokeswoman Penny Bassett Hackett says the New York-bound train became stuck before … Read : 500 passengers stranded 5 hours on NY-bound NJ Transit train after storm floods tracks.

7-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia

JAKARTA – An earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale struck the eastern Indonesian islands Sunday morning in North Maluku province, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, meteorologists said.

The quake took place at a depth of 56 km, 2,430 km north-east of Jakarta. It occurred at 7:57 A.M. Jakarta time (0627 …. Source article  : 7-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia.

Strong wind, rain in Northeast knock out power for 450,000, diverts flights from NY to Mass.

Wind, rain knock out power to 450K in Northeast

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Strong winds and heavy rain pounded parts of the Northeast on Saturday, knocking out power to more than 450,000 customers, diverting international flights and toppling a boom crane at an Atlantic City casino construction site, injuring one police officer.
The winds downed trees and …. Source article  : Strong wind, rain in Northeast knock out power for 450,000, diverts flights from NY to Mass..

Strong wind, rain in Northeast knocks out power for 450,000, diverts flights from NY to Mass.

Wind, rain knocks out power to 450K in Northeast

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Strong winds and heavy rain have knocked out power for 450,000 customers in the Northeast, while diverting international flights and toppling a boom crane at an Atlantic City casino construction site.
The winds downed trees and power lines throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York … Original article on : Strong wind, rain in Northeast knocks out power for 450,000, diverts flights from NY to Mass..

Strong wind, rain in Northeast knock out power for 400,000, diverts flights from NY to Mass.

Wind, rain knock out power to 400,000 in Northeast

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Strong winds and heavy rain pounded parts of the Northeast on Saturday, knocking out power to nearly 400,000 customers, diverting international flights and toppling a boom crane at an Atlantic City casino construction site, injuring one police officer.
The winds downed trees and power … Read : Strong wind, rain in Northeast knock out power for 400,000, diverts flights from NY to Mass..

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