birminghammail--2019-04-18--Madeira coach crash leaves 29 dead after bus ploughs into house in Portugal

A tour bus carrying German tourists has crashed on Portugal's Madeira Island, killing 29 people and injuring 28 others, local authorities said.  The bus, which was carrying 55 people, rolled down a steep hillside after veering off the road on a bend east of the capital, Funchal, and struck at least one house, local mayor Filipe Sousa told cable news channel SIC.  The dead included 18 women and 11 men, one of whom died later at a hospital, Mr Sousa told public broadcaster RTP.  Portuguese foreign minister Augusto Santos Silva said preliminary reports he had received indicated all the dead were German.  But Tomasia Alves, head of the Funchal hospital, said not all the victims had been identified and refused to confirm the nationality of the dead.  Pedro Calado, vice president of Madeira's regional government, said at a news conference that the injured, including the Portuguese driver and a local tour guide, were taken to a hospital.  He did not say whether anyone who was not on the bus, including people on the roadside at the time of the accident, were among the victims.  No children were among the dead and injured, Ms Alves said.  She said at a news conference that two of the injured were Portuguese and the rest were foreign, but she declined to give further details.  The mayor said the bus was carrying a group of German tourists.  The German foreign ministry, in a tweet, expressed "great shock" at the accident.  "We must unfortunately assume that victims are from Germany," it said.  Portuguese prime minister Antonio Costa said in a tweet that he had sent condolences to German chancellor Angela Merkel. "I learned of this tragic accident in Madeira with deep sorrow," he said.  Ms Merkel's spokesman said "terrible news is reaching us from Madeira".  Steffen Seibert said on Twitter that "we are in deepest sorrow over all those who lost their lives in the bus crash." He added: "Our thoughts are with the injured."  Portugal's air force said it had three aircraft on standby in case any injured needed to be taken to hospitals on the Portuguese mainland, almost 600 miles away.  But Funchal hospital's clinical director, Dr Pedro Freitas, said transfers were not necessary.  Madeira's regional government announced three days of mourning, when flags on public buildings are flown at half-staff.  Residents said the weather was fine at the time of the accident, which happened in daylight in the early evening.  Calado, the regional government's vice president, said the bus was five years old and had passed its mandatory inspections for roadworthiness.  Authorities said they were investigating the cause of the crash.


birminghammail--2019-04-30--Man taken to hospital after crash at nightmare junction in Coseley

Man taken to hospital after crash at 'nightmare' junction in Coseley

Two men suffered minor injuries in a crash at a junction labelled a "nightmare" by local residents.  Emergency services were called to the junction between Hurst Road and Upper Ettingshall Road in Coseley to a two-car smash during the rush hour this evening (April 30).  Police blocked off the road while West Midlands Ambulance Service treated two men injured in the collision.  A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police, said: "We were called to two-car road traffic collision on Upper Ettingshall Road at 5.39pm today (April 30).  "The West Midlands Ambulance Service team were in attendance, two men suffered minor injuries with one patient taken to hospital for a precautionary check.  "The road is blocked and officers are still at the scene."  Local residents said the junction is notorious for road accidents many have called for new speed enforcement measures to be installed.  On Facebook, person who lives in the area said: "We've lived near this junction for 36 years and it's steadily got worse, more frequently now since they changed the traffic layout at the Birmingham New Road.  "It will probably take someone to be killed before anything is done. It's an absolute nightmare watching parents trying to cross in the morning to get to school either the manor or in the opposite direction to Hurst Hill."  Dawn Brownsword added: "Lights are needed there and since the new road had its make over things have got worse the councils won't do anything until someone is killed."  Hannah Dicken said: "This junction is horrible too many different directions for cars to be going in and coming from! I hate it."

disaster, accident and emergency incident


birminghammail--2019-07-01--Biker killed in Redditch Road crash in second tragedy in an hour

Two bikers were killed in separate accidents on Midland roads within an hour of each other.  One man died in Herefordshire and the second in Warwickshire.  In the first incident a motorcyclist collided with a car on the A438 at Hollybush, near Ledbury, at around 11.40am on Sunday, June 30.  Members of the public and ambulance crews, including the Midlands Air Ambulance, carried out life support but he was confirmed dead at the roadside.  The second incident happened at 12.30pm on Redditch Road in Ullenhall, near Henley on Arden.  An off-duty doctor and members of the public tried to save the man before ambulance crews arrived.  A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said : "'Ambulance staff took over and provided advanced life support but, again, sadly, it wasn't possible to save the man and he too was confirmed dead at the scene."


birminghammail--2019-07-04--Student paramedic 31 who died in horror crash named as Tammy Minshall

Student paramedic, 31, who died in horror crash named as Tammy Minshall

A student paramedic who tragically died in a horror crash in the Midlands yesterday has now been named.  The 31-year-old died following an accident involving an ambulance and a car.  Police have now named the emergency worker as Tammy Minshall.  The paramedic, from Stretton, died on a Staffordshire road yesterday evening.  Ms Minshall was airlifted to hospital following the collision near the junction of Anslow Road and Belmont Road in Needwood, near Burton, just before 6pm on Wednesday (July 3).  An air ambulance flew her to hospital in Birmingham, where she died a short time later.  A Staffordshire Police spokesman said:  "Staffordshire Police are now in a position to name the woman who sadly died following a road traffic collision in Needwood, Burton-upon-Trent, yesterday (3 July).  "Emergency services were called to the Anslow Road junction with Belmot Road at around 5.45pm following reports of a collision involving an ambulance and a BMW 3 Series.  "Thirty-one-year-old Tammy Minshall, a university student paramedic from Stretton, Burton-upon-Trent, sadly passed away at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham as a result of her injuries.  "Specialist officers continue to support Tammy’s family and they have requested that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.  West Midlands Ambulance Service said Tammy was a first year Staffordshire University student paramedic who had been on placement with West Midlands Ambulance Service at Lichfield ambulance hub since May.  The Trust’s Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Nathan Hudson, said: “I offer my sincere condolences to Tammy’s family and friends and my thoughts remain with them at this truly terrible time.  “When it is one of your own, it really hurts and we as an ambulance service are hurting now.  We’re taking the time to provide support to all of our staff who have been affected and continue to offer our support to Tammy’s family at this time.  “We have been overwhelmed with the kindness and support of people who have sent messages of condolence. It is truly humbling and reflects the high esteem that people in our profession, like Tammy, are held in.”  Staffordshire University Dean of the School of Health and Social Care, Ann Ewans, said: “This has come as a huge blow to our University and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Tammy who has tragically lost her life.  "We will be working with our staff and students to help them come to terms with what has happened.”  Officers from the Staffordshire and West Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit continue to investigate the incident.  Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash-cam footage that could assist with the police investigation should contact Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident 619 of 3 July.


birminghammail--2019-07-06--Traffic chaos as two cars crash on nightmare Wolverhampton road

Traffic chaos as two cars crash on 'nightmare' Wolverhampton road

Paramedics, police and fire crews were called to a crash on a notorious road.  Two cars collided at the junction of Penn Road and Mount Road in Penn, Wolverhampton , just before 7.30pm on Friday, July 5.  Emergency services were forced to block a main road in the after two cars collided at a busy junction.  Pictures taken at the scene showed fire engines and a police car at the scene.  No-one was thought to have been seriously injured.  But residents said the road was an accident blackspot, with some drivers treating it like a "racetrack".  On Facebook, Jeffrey Francis said: "Junction is a nightmare."  Lindsey Allen added: "They always seem to think the Penn Road is a race track.  Emma Carter commented: I've just walked along the Penn Road and in five minutes there was a car and motor bike racing, then two cars racing, then another car just going ridiculously fast.  "All young men treating the road like a race track. Not saying that this was the case for the accident. Just sick of cars racing up and down the road."  A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "Crews were called at 7.26pm to a road traffic collision on Mount Road, Wolverhampton.  Two cars were involved in a collision on the roadway. No passengers were trapped.  "Precautionary checks were carried out by West Midlands Ambulance Service staff and the fire crew made the vehicles safe."


birminghammail--2019-08-29--One of two men killed in horror crash with West Midlands Ambulance named

Tributes have been paid to one of two men who died after a crash involving an ambulance and a car.  Andy Ralph, 61, was named by West Mercia Police as the passenger in the car, which collided with a West Midlands Ambulance Service vehicle last Sunday near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.  The car driver was also pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on the A49 outside Pengethley Garden Centre in Peterstow at around 6.15am, police said.  In a statement issued through West Mercia Police, the family of Mr Ralph, who was from Malvern, said: "Andy - known as Rabbit - was a family man who had been around transport his entire life as a professional HGV driver.  "Andy loved all things vintage and always made time for his family and friends with a smile and a chat. We will miss him dearly."  The ambulance was not responding to a 999 call before the crash, and two of its crew were also hurt, but their injuries were not thought to be serious.  Sergeant Dan Poucher, from West Mercia Police, said an inquiry was under way and urged witnesses or people with dashcam footage to contact police.  "Next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with the families of those affected," he said.  A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said four ambulances, three paramedic officers and an emergency doctor from Mercia Accident Rescue Service responded to the crash.  "The trust will work closely with officers from West Mercia Police on the investigation which is already under way," she said.  Witnesses should contact the force on 101, quoting reference 155s 250819.


birminghammail--2019-10-08--Gas leak closes road in Perry Barr after 'car crash' - diversions in place

A city road has been closed due to a gas leak following unconfirmed reports of a car crash.  It was claimed that a car chase down Willmore Road in Perry Barr resulted in an accident, causing the smash which led to the gas leak.  Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 7pm tonight (October 8) and swiftly cordoned off the road for the residents and bystanders' safety.  A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "Willmore Road closure due to gas leak, sorry for the inconvenience this has caused. Will reopen soon."  The road is not far from Birchfield Road and Livingstone Road allotments.  The closure means that diversions are in place around Perry Barr this evening, with traffic affected on neighbouring roads.  Also in the news today ...  Chinese mastermind Feng Xu is facing jail after pleading guilty to 22 fraud, false ID and money laundering offences linked to a huge prostitute and drugs racket in Birmingham.  Detectives investigating the death of Mark Lloyd have charged Sean Sweeney, aged 26, with murder after an incident in Aldridge Road, Perry Barr on September 21.  And the Johnson Crew gang has been 'linked to stabbing of rapper Krept at BBC 1extra gig'. See that story here


birminghammail--2019-11-07--Van driver killed and bus passengers injured in crash tragedy

A van driver was killed and bus passengers injured in a crash.  The 36-year-old was killed in the collision in Dudley Road, Rowley Regis , after an accident between a bus and a van.  Emergency services were called to the incident outside The Cock Inn just after 5pm.  The van driver suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.  The man’s next of kin were informed and were being supported by specialist officers.  Dudley Road was closed in both directions at the junction with Doulton Road and Springfield Lane, to allow for a collision investigation to take place.  Det Sgt Paul Hughes, from West Midlands Police's serious collision investigation unit, said: “We’re currently trying to establish how this tragic incident has happened and anyone who was there, and hasn’t yet spoken to an officer, should get in touch as soon as possible.  “A road closure is in place, which may cause some disruption, however, a family has lost a loved one and we owe it to them to establish the circumstances behind this collision.  "Our thoughts are with them at this time."  Anyone who saw what happened or may have dash cam footage is asked to get in touch via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk from from 8am - midnight, or call 101 anytime. Please quote 1831 of the 07/11/2019.


birminghammail--2019-12-06--M25 traffic and travel chaos as crane crashes across both carriageways sparking 12 mile queues

The M25 has been shut after a serious collision involving a crane that overturned and crashed over both sides of the carriageway.  The incident happened at Junction 27 with the M11 in Essex on Friday evening  It has caused huge tailbacks in both directions including more than 10 miles on the clockwise carriageway.  Essex Police confirmed no-one has been seriously injured but added the road is likely to be closed for "some considerable time."  Highways England has also warned motorists to avoid the area while the emergency services work to clear the scene.  The crash is causing chaos during rush hour, with 12 miles of heavy traffic backing up to near Potters Bar on the clockwise carriageway and more than five miles past Brentwood on the anti-clockwise carriageway.  The motorway is completely closed and traffic is stationary with hour long delays expected.  There has also been an oil spillage from the accident, which is expected to take some time to clear  Emergency services are at the scene dealing with the incident.  Essex Police have retweeted a post from Highways England warning motorists to avoid the area.  The road is expected to be closed for quite a long time so drivers are advised to avoid it all together and find an alternative route.


breaking911--2019-11-12--Failed Gender Reveal Leads To Plane Crash

TURKEY, Texas – Once again, a gender reveal was botched, causing a plane crash in Texas, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.  The pilot reported, that while maneuvering at a low altitude in an aerial applicator airplane, he dumped about 350 gallons of pink water for a gender reveal. The airplane “got too slow”, aerodynamically stalled, impacted terrain, and came to rest inverted.  The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, right wing, and empennage.  The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.  The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the accident occurred during a low pass for a gender reveal celebration. He added that there were two persons on board the single seat airplane. The two people on board were not seriously injured.  Last month, a family in Iowa constructed a pipe bomb for a gender revealthat exploded and killed a grandmother.


channel4uk--2019-04-08--Police helicopter crash inquiry begins

Police helicopter crash inquiry begins

In November 2013, a Friday night out in Glasgow ended in the deaths of 10 people after a Police Scotland helicopter crashed through the roof of the Clutha pub, a popular music venue in the city.  Today a Fatal Accident Inquiry began. It’s the latest legal procedure, which for some of the families of the victims, will hopefully help them find out exactly what happened that night.


chicagosuntimes--2019-11-12--Woman killed in Matteson crash

Woman killed in Matteson crash

A woman was killed in a multi-vehicle crash Monday in south suburban Matteson.  The 42-year-old was driving a black 2016 Kia Soul west about 6:15 a.m. in the 7000 block of Vollmer Road when she crossed over into eastbound lanes and struck a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe head-on, according to preliminary information from Matteson police.  Paramedics on the scene reported that the woman wasn’t breathing, and they couldn’t locate a pulse, police said. She was transported to St. James Olympia Fields Hospital where she was pronounced dead.  Autopsy results released Tuesday found she died from her injuries and ruled her death an accident, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.  The 32-year-old behind the wheel of the Hyundai was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, police said.


chicagosuntimes--2019-11-13--Man killed in Far South Side crash: police

A 20-year-old man was killed Wednesday in a vehicle crash in Hegewisch on the Far South Side.  About 1:45 a.m., he was driving a Chevrolet Cobalt south in the 13600 block of South Torrence Avenue when he lost control and struck an electrical box, causing the vehicle to flip onto its side, Chicago police said.  He was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. No one else was injured in the crash.  The Cook County medical examiner’s office has not yet provided details about his death.  The Chicago Police Department’s Major Accidents Unit is investigating the crash.


chicagosuntimes--2019-11-19--Man killed in Lynwood crash

Man killed in Lynwood crash

A 41-year-old man was killed in a vehicle crash Sunday in south suburban Lynwood.  About 6:10 a.m., Abel Munoz, of Mokena, was traveling on the Lincoln Highway westbound ramp towards the I-394 northbound lanes in a black Mercedes-Benz, when he attempted to go around a truck and lost control of his vehicle, Illinois State police said. His vehicle drove off the road into an embankment and he was ejected.  Munoz was pronounced dead at the scene minutes later, state police said.  An autopsy released Monday found he died of multiple injuries sustained in the crash, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. His death was ruled an accident.  An investigation by state police is ongoing.


chicagosuntimes--2019-12-06--Berwyn man killed in North Riverside crash

A man was killed in a vehicle crash Thursday in west suburban North Riverside.  The collision happened about 9:38 p.m. at Des Plaines Avenue and 31st Street, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.  The 22-year-old was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he was pronounced dead, the medical examiner’s office said.  An autopsy released Friday found he died of multiple injuries from the crash, and his death was ruled an accident, the medical examiner’s office said. He lived in Berwyn.  North Riverside police did not immediately respond to a request for information on the crash.


chicagosuntimes--2019-12-21--Man dies 4 days after Oak Park crash

Man dies 4 days after Oak Park crash

A 31-year-old man died Friday, four days after a vehicle crash in Oak Park in the west suburbs.  Deon Cain was involved in a crash about 4:10 a.m. Monday in the 800 block of Le Moyne Parkway, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.  He suffered a cervical spinal cord injury in the crash and died about 8:05 p.m. Friday at Loyola University Medical Center, the medical examiner’s office said. The autopsy ruled his death an accident.  Cain lived in Washington Park on the South Side, the medical examiner’s office said.  Oak Park police did not respond to a request for details.


dailyheraldchicago--2019-05-19--Truck crashes into Spring Grove home pins sleeping 71-year-old woman

Truck crashes into Spring Grove home, pins sleeping 71-year-old woman

A Fox Lake man faces multiple charges after authorities say he crashed his pickup truck early Sunday into a home near Spring Grove, leaving a sleeping 71-year-old woman pinned under the vehicle.  The woman was successfully extricated from under the truck by Fox Lake firefighters and taken to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office. A dog and two cats from the home are unaccounted for.  Authorities say Talon C. Franz, 28, was driving the 2009 GMC pickup truck northbound on Route 12 north of North Lake Vista Terrace at a high rate of speed when it struck a 2018 Volkswagen SUV also heading north on Route 12 at about 1:45 a.m.  After the collision, the GMC hit a utility pole on the west side of Route 12, drove through a fence and then hit the home in the 28900 block of South Avenue, sheriff's police say.  Franz fled the scene, but was located at his home in the 0-100 block of Oak Hill Colony Street in Fox Lake and arrested, according to the sheriff's office.  The 69-year-old male driver of the Volkswagen and 67-year-old female passenger, both Johnsburg residents, also were also taken to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.  Franz is charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury traffic crash, a class 2 felony; reckless driving; failure to report a traffic crash; improper lane usage; failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident; and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. If convicted of the felony, he could face three to seven years in prison.  Franz remained held Sunday at the Lake County jail on $75,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.


dailyheraldchicago--2019-06-26--Hawaii skydiving crash victims remembered by friends family

Hawaii skydiving crash victims remembered by friends, family

HONOLULU -- All 11 people on board a skydiving plane died when it crashed and burned at a small airfield north of Honolulu last week. It was the worst civilian aviation accident in the U.S. since 2011.  The Honolulu Medical Examiner's office has identified seven of victims, including a young couple from Colorado celebrating their first wedding anniversary, several skydiving instructors and a Navy sailor. Family members have confirmed the deaths of two others.  The Navy said Lt. Joshua Drablos, 27, was "an invaluable member" of the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, based in Kunia, Hawaii.  Drablos was a 2015 graduate of the Naval Academy where he studied quantitative economics, reported the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland.  Rory Quiller coached Drablos in track and field during his four years at the academy. He said Drablos had a passion for everything he did.  "Josh had an immediate and profound impact on people," said Quiller, a volunteer assistant track and field coach.  Quiller said the team always had Drablos take recruits around the academy because his personality would get them fired up about being there.  WSET in Lynchburg, Virginia reported Drablos was a skilled pole vaulter at Jefferson Forest High School in Forest, Virginia.  His former high school coach, Michael Parker, said Drablos was fearless, fast and always up for an adventure.  The 28-year-old was a "kind, sweet and gentle young man" who loved bicycling and the outdoors, said his stepfather, Mike Mostad.  He loved and protected his little sister, who was eight years younger than him. Mostad called him "the best big brother a little sister could hope for."  "I loved him like he was my own son," Mostad said.  Glebov was born in Donetsk, Ukraine, and moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, when he was 13. He was mature for his age and dedicated to his studies. He played tennis and rode his bicycle so much he went through three bikes in four years.  "Even in January in two feet of snow he rode his bicycle," Mostad said.  He attended college, but found it wasn't for him and enlisted in the Air Force at age 20. More recently, he went to work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on board a fisheries survey ship based in Kodiak, Alaska.  Glebov was at the end of a one-month, six-island Hawaii vacation at the time of the crash. He was scheduled to return to Alaska on Sunday, two days after the crash.  The Oklahoma native worked as a skydiving instructor at Oahu Parachute Center.  Stacy Richmond told KTUL in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that her brother passed away doing what he loved.  "He told me when we were kids that he wanted to skydive when he grew up, and it's what he loved to do," she said.  She said Herndon's wife, Natt, would be spreading his ashes in the ocean because he loved the water.  Oahu Parachute Center's website said Herndon had over 10 years of experience and had completed 4,000 jumps. He was a certified instructor and videographer. The website said he enjoyed sharing the sport with others, exploring the islands and scuba diving.  Herdon's family plans a private memorial skydive in his honor. A public memorial service is scheduled for July 1 in Oklahoma.  His girlfriend, Alex Nakao, visited a growing memorial near the crash site over the weekend, Hawaii News Now reported .  "He did get stressed out at work sometimes, but he loved what he did," she said. "He died doing what he loved."  Jordan Tehero, a 23-year-old from the Hawaii island of Kauai, took up skydiving a few years ago as a distraction from the breakup of a relationship, his father, Garret Tehero, said. Then his son "went and fell in love" with the sport, he said.  His parents were both worried about his new hobby.  "Because of our fear, we wanted him to stop," the father said. "But he didn't have the fear that we had, so he just continued."  Any fears he may have had were taken care of with prayer. "He always told me, 'Dad, I pray before every flight, before every jump I pray,' " the father said.  The Colorado Springs, Colorado couple were celebrating their first wedding anniversary at the time of the crash.  Relatives told KCNC-TV that Bryan and Ashley Weikel were really excited to go skydiving but Bryan's mother, Kathy Reed-Gerk, said she had begged him not to go. Bryan was 27, and Ashley was 26 years old.  They posted images on social media leading up to the flight, including a final post of a video of the plane pulling up to them. The family says the tail number on the plane in the video matched that of the one that crashed.  Bryan's brother Kenneth Reed wrote on Facebook that his brother was "the absolute best person in the world" and that his wife was his "identical soul mate."  Casey Williamson's love of adventure led him to winter snowboarding in Vail, Colorado, and summer skydiving in Moab, Utah. A year-and-a-half ago, he found his way to Hawaii, where he could skydive year-round.  The 29-year-old was his mother Carla Ajaga's only child, his cousin Natacha Mendenhall said.  "We're all very upset," said Mendenhall, speaking from her home in Fort Worth, Texas. "She cannot really talk right now. What she wants everyone to know is how full of life her son was, how loving he was."  Williamson, who was from Yukon, Oklahoma, worked as an instructor and as a videographer who filmed customers as they dove. He was trying to earn more jumping hours and learn the trade, Mendenhall said.  The Honolulu Medical Examiner's office hasn't identified Williamson. But his family provided Honolulu police with Williamson's name and date of birth, and the police confirmed he was on the flight, Mendenhall said.  Associated Press writers Rachel D'Oro in Anchorage, Alaska, Colleen Slevin in Denver and AP Researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed to this report.


drudgereport--2019-11-06--UBER self-driving car involved in fatal crash couldn't detect jaywalkers...

More surprisingly, the NTSB said Uber's system design "did not include a consideration for jaywalking pedestrians." On top of that, the car initiated a one second braking delay so that the vehicle could calculate an alternative path or let the safety driver take control. (Uber has since eliminated that function in a software update.)  Although the [system] detected the pedestrian nearly six seconds before impact ... it never classified her as a pedestrian, because she was crossing at a location without a crosswalk [and] the system design did not include a consideration for jaywalking pedestrians.  Uber's autonomous test vehicles may have failed to identify roadway hazards in at least two other cases, according to the report. In one case, a vehicle struck a bicycle lane post that had bent into a roadway. In another, a safety driver was forced to take control to avoid an oncoming vehicle and ended up striking a parked car. In the seven months prior to the fatal crash, Uber vehicles were involved in 37 accidents, including 33 in which other vehicles struck the Uber test cars.  When Uber resumed testing in December 2018, it used significantly revised software. According to the NTSB, Uber did a simulation of the new system using sensor data from the fatal Arizona accident. It determined that it would have detected the pedestrian 289 feet before impact and had four seconds to brake before impact at a speed of 43.2 mph. The average stopping distance for a human is about 130 feet at that speed, including reaction time, so it seems likely that the vehicle would have been able to stop in that distance.  The NTSB will meet on November 19 to determine the cause of the accident that occurred in Tempe, Arizona in March of 2018. Prosecutors have already absolved Uber of criminal liability, but are still weighing criminal charges against the driver.


eveningstandard--2019-01-08--M58 crash Boy 14 and woman killed in horror motorway smash as lorry driver arrested

M58 crash: Boy, 14, and woman killed in horror motorway smash as lorry driver arrested

A 14-year-old boy and a woman have died in a horror motorway crash.  The collision, which involved an HGV, a minibus and a number of other vehicles, happened between junctions 3 and 4 of the M58 motorway.  The 31-year-old driver of the HGV has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, police said.  A number of other people also suffered serious injuries and are being treated at hospital.  The crash happened near Wigan at about 9am on Tuesday. A second crash followed on the same stretch of motorway shortly after and involved an HGV, a van and a car.  A woman and two men suffered serious injuries.  Images from the scene showed a lorry carrying scaffolding material and a number of bent and twisted cars.  Other images showed a white van had left the motorway and crashed into a nearby field.  Helen Green Purnell, a 48-year-old pharmacy assistant, saw the aftermath of the crash while out walking dogs.  She said: "All I can tell you is I saw the cars slowing down, and as I got there, there was a white van that had fallen down in to the ditch.  "It looked very serious. I've never seen anything like it in my life.  "The air ambulances were flying around. I've never witnessed anything like this before."  In a statement, Lancashire Police said: "We are working closely with partner agencies and the motorway remains closed in both directions for accident investigations. Diversions are in place.  "Our thoughts are with all of those affected by today's tragic incidents.  "Anyone who is concerned that someone they know may have been involved and who needs to speak to police should call 101 quoting log number 0523 of Tuesday, January 8.  "Anyone with information about either collision should call 101 quoting log number 275 of Tuesday, January 8."


eveningstandard--2019-01-11--Cuba crash Brits feared dead as bus full of tourists crashes killing seven

Cuba crash: Brits feared dead as bus full of tourists crashes killing seven

Brits are feared to be among seven people killed when a bus carrying tourists crashed in eastern Cuba.  Five people are fighting for life after the crash between the cities of Baracoa and Guantanamo on Thursday afternoon, state media reported.  Twenty-two tourists from the UK, the Netherlands, France, Mexico and Canada were on board, as well as 18 Cubans.  Some 33 people were reportedly taken to hospital.  The driver of the bus, which was heading to Havana, told Radio Guantanamo that he lost control due to wet conditions on the winding road.  The crash happened at about 3pm local time.  The names and nationalities of those killed are yet to be released.  Last year 750 people died and 7,999 were injured in 11,187 road accidents in Cuba. They are the fifth leading cause of death in the country.  A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: “We are seeking information from the Cuban authorities following a road traffic accident, and are ready to assist any British people who require our help.”


eveningstandard--2019-01-23--Catford crash Man in 50s fighting for life after car smashes into bus stop in south-east London

Catford crash: Man in 50s fighting for life after car smashes into bus stop in south-east London

A man in his 50s is fighting for life after a car crashed into a bus stop in south-east London this afternoon.  Officers were called to Bromley Road in Beckenham shortly before 2pm on Wednesday, Scotland Yard said.  The man was treated at the scene before he was rushed to hospital by London Ambulance Service.  His injuries are life-threatening, the Met added.  Witnesses said a bus stop had collapsed after the incident, according to reports on social media.  A spokeswoman for London Fire Brigade said: "We were called at 1.57pm to a road traffic collision. One car in collision with a bus shelter.  "One man was injured and was taken to hospital by LAS. A second man suffered shock and was treated as a precaution. The incident was over at 2.50pm for fire fighters."  A Twitter account known as Catford Central tweeted: "There's been another crash on Bromley Road outside of St John's church. The whole bus stop has come down, looks quite serious."  A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "We were called to Bromley Road at the junction with Beckenham Hill Road shortly before 2pm following reports of a crash.  "We attended with LAS and LFB and found that a car had collided with a bus stop.  "A man in his 50s was treated at the scene and then taken to hospital.  "There were road closures in place."  If you witnessed accident, please call 101 and quote CAD 3627/23JAN.


eveningstandard--2019-01-23--Walthamstow crash Female pedestrian 21 dies after being hit by police car on 999 call in east Lon

Walthamstow crash: Female pedestrian, 21, dies after being hit by police car on 999 call in east London

A 21-year-old woman has died after being struck by a police car while it was responding to a 999 call in east London.  The marked police car hit the female pedestrian in Forest Road, Walthamstow, at about 11.45pm on Tuesday.  The car stopped and officers battled to save the woman before paramedics and an air ambulance arrived, police said, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.  The Met is trying to trace her family, who are believed to live outside the UK.  The woman was staying at the YMCA in Walthamstow.  They said in a statement: “A resident at YMCA Walthamstow was involved in a fatal car incident last night on Forest Road.  "YMCA St Paul’s Group is shocked and saddened by this news and wishes to extend its condolences to family and friends."  One witness said on social media there were at least five police cars and a forensics van in the road, near The Bell pub, on Wednesday morning.  Video posted online last night shows a sheet being held up by police while officers perform CPR.  Stella Creasy, the MP for Walthamstow, described the news as "terrible" on Twitter.  "Terrible news this morning that a young woman has been killed on forest road in Walthamstow after a fatal collision involving a police vehicle," she said.  "That’s all that can confirm at present and will update residents as and when have further details."  Waltham Forest Council wrote: "Forest Road between the Bell Junction & Shernhall Street in Walthamstow is closed until further notice due to an accident.  "Drivers are advised to avoid the area until the road reopens."  A Met Police spokesman said: “The police car had been responding to an emergency call to a man threatening members of the public at a location in Walthamstow.  “Forest Road is closed, and is likely to remain so for most of Wednesday morning.”  Both the Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have been informed.


eveningstandard--2019-01-26--Italian alps crash Pilot aposinvestigated for manslaughterapos after plane and helicopter colli

Italian alps crash: Pilot 'investigated for manslaughter' after plane and helicopter collision leaves seven dead

A prosecutor is investigating a flight instructor who was in the back of a plane which fatally collided with a helicopter over the Italian alps.  The man survived the midair collision on Friday and has been questioned over the incident.  This comes as authorities said the bodies of the last two people from the crash in Italy's Val d'Aosta region were found on Saturday, raising the death toll to seven.  The French flight instructor was one of two survivors of the accident over the Rutor glacier.  Italian news agency ANSA quoted Aosta Chief Prosecutor Paolo Fortuna saying he was investigating the instructor for alleged manslaughter.  He has been questioned him in a hospital intensive care unit.  ANSA says the instructor was reportedly sitting in the rear of the plane and his students were in front.  The helicopter involved was bringing skiers to the glacier.  The Rutor glacier covers nine square kilometres, 3.5 square miles, and is the second-largest in the Val d'Aosta region, which borders  Rescue workers said the crash happened at an altitude of around 3,000 metres.


eveningstandard--2019-02-09--Barcelona crash one dead and 100 others injured after two passenger trains collide in northeastern

Barcelona crash: one dead and 100 others injured after two passenger trains collide in northeastern Spain

One person has died and around 100 others were injured after two passenger trains were involved in a head-on collision in Spain.  The commuter trains collided on Friday evening between the towns of Sant Vicenc de Castellet and Manresa, northwest of Barcelona.  Three of the injured passengers were in a serious condition following the incident. Around 100 others escaped injury, officials said.  One train was heading to Barcelona and the other was going to Manresa, in northeastern Spain, when they ran into each other on the same track.  Images broadcast on Catalan public broadcaster TV3 showed the torn metal where the two trains slammed into each other, along with passengers who had evacuated on the side of the tracks.  Local media reported that the crash may have been due to a signalling problem, occurring on a double stretch of track.  It has been reported that the person who died was a 26-year-old woman who was the conductor of one of the trains.  It is understood she screamed at passengers to “get themselves onto the ground” moments before the collision.  The late afternoon trains were “packed” with people.  Marina Bravo Sobrino said in a tweet: “Overwhelmed by the train wreck in Castellgalí.  “My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased machinist.  “Desires of early recovery for the wounded, and much encouragement the teams that have worked and continue to work in the emergency.  Antonio Carmona, spokesman for state train operator RENFE, said "the information we have is that there was a frontal collision."  The accident follows a train derailment on the same line two months earlier.


eveningstandard--2019-03-11--Ethiopian Airlines crash Itaposs like a bad dream say family of Briton Joseph Waithaka among 157

Ethiopian Airlines crash: It's like a bad dream, say family of Briton Joseph Waithaka among 157 killed

The family of one of at least seven UK citizens killed in the Ethiopian Airlines disaster said today they wanted to wake from “a bad dream”.  All 157 passengers and crew died when the jet crashed in a ball of flames outside the capital Addis Ababa yesterday. The Boeing 737 Max 8 plane exploded as it nosedived into a field, just six minutes into the domestic flight to Nairobi.  It comes five months after the same model crashed in Indonesia, killing 189. China and Ethiopia today grounded the 737 Max as a precaution while investigations continue.  Father-of-three Joseph Waithaka, 55, a British dual national who lived in Hull and worked for Humberside Probation Trust before returning to Kenya in 2015, was named among the victims. He had been visiting family, including son Ben Kuria in Croydon and flew back to Africa yesterday.  Mr Kuria described his father as a “generous” man who “loved justice”.  He said: “Joe, as his friends knew him, was a committed man who did all he could to be there for his kids. He taught us to work hard and keep promises … We’re getting so many messages of how he supported some of our peers pastorally and even financially. We’re still feeling like we’ll wake up from what seems like a bad dream.”  His sister, Zipporah Kuria, posted a tribute to her father online, writing: “Your love for us will never leave us. The values you taught your girl, I promise I will never forget them.”  The 737 is the best-selling airliner in history, and the Max, the newest version with more fuel-efficient engines, is a central part of Boeing’s strategy to compete with European rival Airbus.  Boeing has delivered about 350 of the Max planes to many airlines and has orders for more than 5,000.  The “black box” recorder for flight ET302 was recovered today. Alan Diehl, a former National Transportation Safety Board investigator, said reports of large variations in vertical speed during the aircraft’s ascent were “clearly suggesting a potential controllability problem”.  Other possible causes include engine problems, pilot error, weight load, sabotage or bird strikes, he said. The jet was carrying passengers from 35 countries, including 8 Chinese nationals, five Germans, three Austrian doctors, and 32 Kenyans including the ex-secretary general of the country’s football federation.  UN officials said at least 19 staff members were on board.  British mother Sahra Hassan Said and her young son Nasrudin Abdulkadir are believed to have died in the crash. Also killed was Polar explorer Sarah Auffret, a Plymouth University graduate who lived in Norway. The French-British citizen was going to Nairobi to discuss plastic pollution at the UN assembly, according to her employers, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators.  Joanna Toole 36, a UN consultant originally from Exmouth, also died. Her father Adrian paid tribute to his “loving” daughter, adding: “For the last 15 years she has been working for international animal welfare organisations … I never wanted her to be on a single one of those planes. Up until now she had been lucky.”  Russian ex-model Ekaterina Polyakova was killed along with her husband Alexander Polyakov, a former Russian marine.  Crisis teams remained on standby at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta airport as families arrived. Screams and weeping could be heard as relatives were told the news. Principal secretary for Kenya’s department of transport, Esther Koimmet, said post-mortem examinations were set to begin today.  A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed at least seven British nationals were onboard the flight and said embassy staff in Addis Ababa were working with Ethiopian authorities.  Boeing said it did not intend to issue new guidance to customers, but “safety is our number one priority and we are taking every measure to fully understand all aspects of this accident”.

Ben Morgan, Conor sheils, BENEDICT MOORE-BRIDGER, Barney Davis


eveningstandard--2019-04-02--MI6 chiefaposs son 22 killed in car crash on a private Scottish estate

MI6 chief's son, 22, killed in car crash on a private Scottish estate

The son of MI6 chief Alex Younger has been killed in a car crash on a private estate in Scotland.  Sam Younger died after being involved in a crash in Stirlingshire on Saturday.  Edingburgh University student Sam died from multiple injuries following the accident.  The vehicle crash is being investigated by police who said they did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances.  Tributes have poured in for the “big-hearted and fun loving” 22-year-old, who has been described as a “wonderful son” by his devastated family.  He was remembered as "always warm and friendly" and "confident and excited about the future" by lecturer Kieran Oberman.  "We are devastated by the tragic news of his death and our thoughts are with his family and friends," he said.  Mr Younger was a former pupil of the prestigious Dulwich College boys school in south London, where he played rugby in the first XV.  The Old Alleynians Association of former students announced his death with "deep sadness".  "Sam died in a car accident in Scotland in the early hours of Saturday morning," said a statement online.  "A selfless, big-hearted, fun-loving and committed Alleynian, and Old Alleynian, we offer heartfelt condolences to Sam's family and friends."  Police Scotland said Mr Younger's death was being treated as unexplained, although there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.  The force said: "(We) can confirm that Sam Younger, a 22-year-old student from Edinburgh University, has died following an accident involving a motor vehicle on a private estate in Stirlingshire on Saturday 30th March 2019.  "The family have provided that they wish privacy and space to remember and celebrate their wonderful son."  A report was being compiled to be submitted to the procurator fiscal.  Mr Younger's father has been Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) - the position known as "M" - since November 2014.  He had been involved in security for the London Olympics and served as a station chief in Kabul.  The appointment came after a career of more than 20 years as an officer in the SIS, which is commonly called MI6.  Earlier this year it was reported that the former Army officer was expected to stay in the post beyond his November retirement date in the interest of security stability in the post-Brexit period.  The Times reported that the extension, if confirmed, would make him the longest-serving MI6 chief since the 1960s.


eveningstandard--2019-04-17--Madeira bus crash 29 people dead after tourist coach overturns on Portuguese island

Madeira bus crash: 29 people dead after tourist coach overturns on Portuguese island

At least 29 people have died after a tourist bus crashed and overturned on the Portuguese island of Madeira.  Seventeen of the fatalities were female, while 11 were male. Most of the victims were German nationals.  The bus, which was carrying 55 people, had rolled down a steep hillside after veering off the road on a bend.  It happened in Caniço, a coastal town to the east of the island's capital city of Funchal.  Local mayor Filipe Sousa said on Wednesday evening: "I have no words to describe what happened.  "I cannot face the suffering of these people."  Bodies were scattered over the hillside, local media reported.  Authorities said an investigation into the cause of the crash has started.  Meanwhile, a UK Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are seeking information from the authorities in Portugal about a bus crash in Madeira, and are ready to support any British people who require assistance."  Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Portugal's president, was said to be travelling to the island, which is a popular tourist destination.  A regional civil protection official said the tourists involved in the accident were aged between 40 and 50 years old.  Portugal's public prosecutor's office plans to open an investigation into the accident, said Lusa.  Madeira is a popular tourist destination. The peak season is during the summer but it also gets many visitors around Easter.  Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa sent a message of condolences to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.  "It was with deep regret that I learned about the tragic accident in Madeira," Costa said on Twitter. "To all families involved I send the deepest condolences."  The spokesman for the German government Steffen Seibert also expressed his condolences on Twitter. "Our deep sorrow goes out to all those who lost their lives in the bus, our thoughts are with the injured," he said in a tweet.


eveningstandard--2019-05-06--Russia plane crash Survivors aposdelayed evacuation by reaching for hand luggageapos after jet

Russia plane crash: Survivors 'delayed evacuation by reaching for hand luggage' after jet was 'hit by lightning'

Passengers who managed to escape the fireball crash of a Russian Aeroflot passenger plane in which 41 people died have blamed a "lightning strike" on causing the tragedy.  Survivor Pyotr Egorov told a Russian newspaper: "We took off and then lightning struck the plane.  "The plane turned back and there was a hard landing. We were so scared, we almost lost consciousness.  "The plane jumped down the landing strip like a grasshopper and then caught fire on the ground.  Passengers were also accused of delaying the evacuation of the burning plane by reaching into the overhead compartments to retrieve their belongings.  The Interfax news agency cited an unnamed "informed source" as saying the evacuation of the plane had been delayed by some passengers insisting on collecting their hand luggage first.  Interfax also cited a source as saying the plane had only succeeded making an emergency landing on the second attempt and that some of the aircraft's systems had then failed.  Russian officials said today that both flight recorders were recovered from the plane.  Russian Investigative Committee spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko said investigators are looking into three main possibilities behind the cause of the disaster - insufficient pilot qualifications, equipment failure, and weather.  Video on Russian TV showed the Aeroflot plane's underside bursting into flames and spewing black smoke after making a hard landing at Sheremetyevo Airport on Sunday night.  Those who escaped leapt out of the Sukhoi SSJ100 airliner down inflatable emergency slides and ran across the tarmac.  Storms were passing through the Moscow area when the jet caught fire during the emergency landing, after it turned back for unspecified reasons during an internal flight to Murmansk.  Meanwhile, Russian transport minister Yevgeny Dietrich said 41 bodies have been recovered from the burned wreckage.  He also told reporters in a briefing on Monday that six people who survived the disaster on Sunday night are being treated in hospital.  Shocking footage showed the Sukhoi Superjet 100 crash bouncing along the tarmac at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport before the rear part of the plane suddenly burst into flames.  Russian state TV broadcast mobile phone footage shot by another passenger in which people could be heard screaming.  Passengers on board SU 1492 then escaped via the plane's emergency slides that inflated after the hard landing.  The plane, which had been flying from Moscow to the northern Russian city of Murmansk, had been carrying 73 passengers and five crew members, Russia's aviation watchdog said.  Svetlana Petrenko, a spokeswoman for Russia's Investigative Committee, said in a statement that only 37 out of 78 people on board had survived, meaning 41 people had lost their lives.  No official cause has been given for the disaster.  An investigation has been opened and is looking into whether the pilots had breached air safety rules.  President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev expressed their condolences and ordered investigators to establish what had happened.  Russian news agencies reported that injured passengers were being treated in hospitals.  The Flightradar24 tracking service showed that the plane had circled twice over Moscow before making an emergency landing after just under 30 minutes in the air.  The plane's under-carriage gave way on impact and its engines caught fire.  Interfax cited a source as saying the plane had only succeeded making an emergency landing on the second attempt and that some of the aircraft's systems had then failed.  The emergency landing was so hard that debris had found its way into the engines, sparking a fire that swiftly engulfed the rear of the fuselage, the same source said.  Russian investigators said they were looking into various versions.  Russian news agencies reported that the plane had been produced in 2017 and had been serviced as recently as April this year.  Aeroflot has long shaken off its troubled post-Soviet safety record and now has one of the world's most modern fleets on international routes where it relies on Boeing and Airbus aircraft.  Russian officials are keen for Aeroflot to buy more Sukhoi Superjets, a regional airliner, for domestic flights to support the country's fledgling civil aircraft industry. The plane is built in Russia's Far East.  A Sukhoi Superjet crashed in Indonesia in 2012, killing all 45 people on board in an accident blamed on human error.  The Superjet entered service in 2011 and was the first new passenger jet developed in Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union.  It has been hit, however, by sporadic concerns over safety and reliability, including a December 2016 grounding after a defect was discovered in an aircraft's tail section.  Russian officials said on Sunday it was premature to talk of grounding the Sukhoi Superjet for now. The plane is predominantly used by Russian airlines like Aeroflot, but is also used by a few other foreign operators, including a low-cost Mexican airline.  Dozens of flights at Sheremetyevo were delayed because of the disaster.


truepundit--2019-11-22--‘Mishap’ in Oklahoma kills 2 Air Force pilots on training mission

Two Air Force pilots were killed Thursday morning during an “aircraft mishap” at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma, officials said.  The Air Force said the “mishap” occurred around 9:10 a.m. while the aircraft was performing a training mission.  Vance emergency response personnel were at the scene treating casualties and assisting in recovery efforts.  Col. Corey Simmons, commander of the 71st Flying Training Wing, told reporters Thursday afternoon that two airmen aboard one of the T-38 Talons were killed and two airmen on the other T-38 Talon were not hurt. – READ MORE


unian--2019-09-22--Nine tanker trailers catch fire in Kyivs Desniansky district

Nine tanker trailers catch fire in Kyiv's Desniansky district

The fire was put out at 23:48 Kyiv time on September 22.  Nine tanker trailers filled with fuel caught fire at a parking lot at 3 Viskozna Street in Kyiv's Desniansky district on Sunday evening.  The area affected by the fire and fuel spillage is 500 square meters, according to an update posted by Kyiv City Administration's Civil Protection Department on Facebook on September 22.  Read alsoEx-NBU head Gontareva says her country house outside Kyiv burned in arson attack (Video)  Ninety workers and 18 units of equipment of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, two firefighting trains, and an emergency response team of Kyiv's municipal rescue service were engaged in the fire extinguishing operation.  A maneuvering locomotive was used to pull six tanker trailers from the epicenter of the fire at a safe distance.  At 23:48 Kyiv time on September 22, the fire was put out.


usatoday--2019-04-17--Yuma Arizona mayor declares emergency warns of aposimminent threatapos over migrant releases

Yuma, Arizona, mayor declares emergency, warns of 'imminent threat' over migrant releases at border

Yuma, Arizona, Mayor Doug Nicholls issued a proclamation of emergency in the border city, saying the continued mass release of migrants directly into the community had become an "imminent threat" to life and property in the area.  The city lacks the resources it needs to handle the migrants, he said.  Yuma is the first border city in the U.S. to declare a state of emergency as part of its response to the latest surge in the number of migrant families reaching the U.S.-Mexico border to seek asylum.  "Today is a day that we had talked about three weeks ago, hoping never to get to," Nicholls said at a news conference on Tuesday.  With a "heavy heart," the mayor said he signed the document as a means to seek resources and to protect residents and vulnerable migrants.  "... the mass release of migrant families from federal detention facilities into the City of Yuma without provisions for adequate food, water, shelter and medical care threatens to cause injury, damage and suffering to persons and property located in the City of Yuma, Yuma County, Arizona as well as causing a humanitarian crisis," the proclamation read.  Las Cruces: New Mexico city asks for donations as Border Patrol drops off migrants for the first time  Reports: Trump offered to pardon Homeland Security head if law broken while closing border  The emergency proclamation was a plea for federal and state assistance.  In late March, the Border Patrol began releasing migrant families from the agency's custody into the community. At that time, Nicholls brought together several community groups to open a temporary shelter to house up to 200 migrants while they arranged for travel to their relatives' locations throughout the United States.  Nicholls said he received a call from shelter organizers on Tuesday morning saying they had reached their capacity.  That was followed by another call from Border Patrol officials in Yuma announcing they planned to release an additional 120 migrants, placing the shelter way above its intended capacity.  One of the biggest challenges in helping migrants is the inability to get them out of Yuma and on the road quickly.  "The transportation network is just insufficient to keep up with demand," Nicholls said. "And the backlog of people staying at the shelter has created this capacity issue."  When migrants are released into the community with a notice to appear in court, the relative they will be staying with is responsible for purchasing their bus or flight ticket to their location.  The Yuma area, with a population of 200,000 people, has limited bus routes and transportation options compared with larger cities like Phoenix and Tucson.  And since migrant families are also released in those cities, migrants in Yuma often struggle to purchase their tickets. So they end up staying at the shelter longer, according to Capt. Jeffrey Breazeale, who operates the temporary shelter for the Salvation Army.  In signing the declaration, Nicholls said he hopes to draw national attention to the plight of local communities struggling with a federal issue, adding that he's talking to officials in other border cities and calling on them to issue similar emergency declarations.  The mayor added that he talked to Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who signaled his support for the declaration.  "We will review any declaration once we receive it," according to a statement Tuesday night from Patrick Ptak, a Ducey spokesman. "Ultimately, this humanitarian crisis is the result of Congress' failure to act. It will only be solved by Congress actually doing something, and the governor has vocally urged Congress to quit playing politics and take action.  "In the wake of their inaction, our office is working with local governments, non-profits and our federal partners to maximize available resources and ensure proper coordination between ICE officials and groups providing temporary services to migrants."  Migrants: Migrants break border gate, force their way from Guatemala to Mexico on way to U.S. border  Nicholls said he hopes to "avert the threat of hundreds of people roaming streets looking to satisfy their basic human needs" by securing additional funding to care for migrant families.  The mayor said he hoped for one of two solutions to the problem: a more "efficient" and "coordinated" transportation system to move migrant families out of Yuma more quickly, or for an emergency response from the federal government.  He said the second option, for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to take over the operation, would be the "best solution."  "This isn't a natural disaster," Nicholls said. "But it is a disaster."  "... the local emergency exceeds control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the City of Yuma and requires the combined efforts, cooperation, and resources of the Yuma community including local and non-profit agencies such as the Red Cross, Catholic Community Services, The Salvation Army, Yuma Community Food Bank, churches, the County of Yuma, the State of Arizona, and the United States of America," the statement said.  The daily release of migrant families is likely to continue despite capacity issues at the temporary shelter in Yuma.  According to Nicholls, the Border Patrol in Yuma had 950 migrants in detention on Tuesday, even though it only has the capacity to hold 400 people at any given time.  Customs and Border Protection, which includes the Border Patrol, said on Tuesday that agents in the Yuma area had processed more than 1,000 migrants, mostly families and minors, in the past three days.  The Border Patrol's Yuma sector has been spending about $100,000 a month in humanitarian supplies such as diapers and baby formula.  To assist with the surge in families, CBP has reassigned 50 agents from other sectors and 50 customs officers normally stationed at ports of entry to help agents in Yuma. It has also brought in 80 National Guard troops and 100 Marines.  Breazeale, with the Salvation Army, said one of their greatest needs, in addition to travel items, has been volunteers both at the shelter as well as to help transport migrants to the bus station, airport, and sometimes even to Phoenix or Tucson.


usnews--2019-11-06--Airman Missing in Gulf of Mexico After Falling From Plane

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AP) — The U.S. military and local Florida law enforcement are searching the Gulf of Mexico for an airman who fell out of a plane during a parachute training exercise.  An Air Force news release says the special tactics airman departed a C-130 aircraft Tuesday morning during a planned static-line jump several miles south of Florida's Hurlburt Field and made an unintentional water landing.  Officials didn't say whether the airman's parachute deployed after leaving the plane.  Officials say an emergency response was immediately initiated, and rescue teams on Wednesday continued to search a 700-square-mile (1,800-square-kilometer) area off the coast between Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola.  Participating in the search are boats and aircraft from the Air Force, Coast Guard, Army, Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


usnews--2019-12-14--Body of Arizona Girl Swept Away in Floods Found

PHOENIX (Reuters) - Arizona searchers on Friday recovered the body of a missing six-year-old girl at a lake northeast of Phoenix, the third child to have died when her family's vehicle attempted to cross a rain-swollen creek, authorities said.  Sheriff's deputies said they found Willa Rawlings several miles (km) from where the family's military-style truck was recovered roughly two weeks ago, a statement from the Gila County Sheriff's Office said. The family was notified.  Law enforcement officials and volunteers had been combing the area by foot since Nov. 29, when the truck entered the creek near a crossing that had been deemed unpassable and was blocked off by authorities. Some two inches (5 cm) of rain had fallen in the area during a powerful winter storm.  Sheriff's deputies said the parents and four children were able to make it out safely.  Searchers found the bodies of the girl's 5-year-old brother Colby, and a 5-year-old cousin, Austin, about three miles (4.8 km) downstream the next day, said Lieutenant Virgil Dodd, a sheriff's spokesman.  In an interview with a local television station, parents Daniel and Lacey Rawlings described Willa Rawlings as a confident, self-assured young girl whose favorite color was magenta and who wanted to be a Disney princess.  Sheriff's officials have declined to comment on whether the parents would be charged under Arizona law that makes motorists liable for the costs of the emergency response created by those who drive into a flooded area that has been barricaded.


usnews--2019-12-26--Seven Dead as Migrants' Boat Sinks in Turkey's Lake Van

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Seven people died and 64 were rescued when a boat carrying migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan sank on Thursday in eastern Turkey's Lake Van, the governor's office in Bitlis province said.  The boat sank after capsizing as it approached Adilcevaz district in Bitlis, which is on the northern shores of Lake Van, the office said in a statement. The accident happened at around 3 a.m. (0000 GMT).  The lake is near the border with Iran, from where migrants regularly cross into Turkey, heading west toward Europe. It was not clear why the migrants were on the boat in Lake Van, which is completely within Turkey's borders.  Five people were found dead at the scene and two died at hospital, while the 64 people rescued were taken to nearby hospitals and shelters, the governor's office said.  It said gendarmerie forces, emergency response teams and police divers were conducting search operations.


usnews--2019-12-25--Christmas Eve Incident Damages Nebraska Prison Housing Unit

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Inmates at a Lincoln prison damaged a housing unit during a Christmas Eve disturbance after staff confiscated food and homemade alcohol.  About 14 inmates at the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center broke furniture, cracked a window and disabled surveillance cameras, Nebraska Department of Correctional Services spokeswoman Laura Strimple said in a statement.  The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the incident began about 7 p.m. Tuesday and that some inmates returned to their cells as directed at the start.  Prison staff locked down the facility and called in an emergency response team to resolve the incident. Center Director Scott Frakes said no staff or inmates were injured.  "The event was concluded fairly quickly," he said, adding that bringing in an emergency response team deployment is standard procedure.  He also said, “Staff members left church services and other events involving their families” to be at the center "on a moment’s notice."  The disturbance was limited to the housing unit, and movement inside the prison remained somewhat restricted Wednesday, the department said.  Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


theweekuk--2019-03-20--Cyclone Idai a massive disaster in Mozambique and Zimbabwe

Cyclone Idai a ‘massive disaster’ in Mozambique and Zimbabwe

Cyclone Idai has caused a “massive disaster” in southern Africa affecting hundreds of thousands if not millions of people, says the United Nations.  The cyclone, which caused devastation in Mozambique before striking Zimbabwe and Malawi, has been described as “one of the worst weather-related disasters” in the southern hemisphere.  Reports say the cyclone has destroyed almost everything in its path and caused devastating floods. It has killed and injured thousands of people and ruined crops. The Times says survivors are “clinging to trees and rooftops to escape rising waters”.  More than 2.6m people could be affected across the three countries. Mozambique’s President, Filipe Nyusi, said the death toll could reach 1,000. He called it “a humanitarian disaster of great proportion”.  The United Nations has allocated $20m (£15m) from its emergency response fund to help. Britain is sending up to £6m in aid for victims in Mozambique and Malawi, two of Africa’s poorest countries.  A spokeswoman for the World Meteorological Organisation, Claire Nullis, said: “What we are seeing emerging from our informal networks and from the official databases is if the worst fears are realised... it is one of the worst weather-related disasters in the southern hemisphere.”  Meanwhile, experts say the climate crisis is making deadly storms like this more severe.  Dr Friederike Otto, of Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute, told The Guardian: “There are three factors with storms like this: rainfall, storm surge and wind. Rainfall levels are on the increase because of climate change, and storm surges are more severe because of sea level rises.”  Paulo Ceppi, of the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London, agreed, saying: “There is a direct link between global warming and cyclone intensity.”


thetorontostar--2019-10-31--Fire nearly destroys historic Japanese castle

TOKYO - A fire broke out early Thursday and spread quickly through historic Shuri Castle on Japan’s southern island of Okinawa, nearly destroying the UNESCO World Heritage site.  Firefighters battled the blaze for about 12 hours before bringing it under control in the afternoon.  The fire in Naha, the prefectural capital of Okinawa, started from the castle’s main wooden structure and quickly jumped to other buildings, in part because of windy weather. Three large halls and four other structures burned down, a fire official said.  No one was injured. The cause was not immediately known.  An annual weeklong castle festival that began Sunday was to run for a week but the remaining events were cancelled. Event organizers were preparing the next day’s events at the castle until after midnight, but no one was there when the fire broke out, officials said.  Video on NHK public television showed parts of the castle engulfed in orange flames, then turning into a charred skeleton and collapsing to the ground. Many residents watched from a hillside road and quietly took photos to capture what was left of the castle before it was largely lost. Some people were crying.  “I feel as if we have lost our symbol,” said Naha Mayor Mikiko Shiroma, who led an emergency response team. “I’m shocked.”  Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki cut short a trip to South Korea to return to Naha. “My heart is broken,” he said. “But I also feel strongly that we must reconstruct Shuri Castle, a symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom filled with our history and culture.”  The castle is a symbol of Okinawa’s cultural heritage from the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom that spanned about 450 years from 1429 until 1879, when the island was annexed by Japan.  It is also a symbol of Okinawa’s struggle and efforts to recover from World War II. The castle burned down in 1945 during the Battle of Okinawa near the war’s end, in which about 200,000 lives were lost on the island, many of them civilians.  The castle was largely restored in 1992 as a national park and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000 as part of a group of ancient ruins, castles and sacred sites that “provide mute testimony to the rare survival of an ancient form of religion into the modern age.”  Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that the central government will do its utmost to reconstruct the castle.  The government dispatched officials from the Agency for Cultural Affairs and other government organizations to join efforts to investigate the cause of the fire and study ways to protect other historical sites from disasters, Suga said.  Tokyo University of Science Professor Ai Sekizawa, an expert on fire prevention, told NHK that the extensive damage occurred because the fire broke out in the middle of the night when nobody was around, delaying the initial firefighting effort. He said the design of the castle might also have allowed the fire to quickly expand in the spacious main hall and move to other buildings connected by hallways.  Kurayoshi Takara, a historian at the University of the Ryukyus who helped reconstruct Shuri Castle, said he was speechless when he saw the fire. He told NHK that the castle reconstruction was a symbolic event for Okinawans to restore their history and Ryukyu heritage lost during the war.  “I still can’t accept this as a reality,” Takara said. “It has taken more than 30 years and it was a monument to the wisdom and efforts of many people. Shuri Castle is not just about the buildings, but it reconstructed all the details, even including equipment inside.”  UNESCO Director General Audrey Azouley expressed her sympathy. “Deep emotion and sincere solidarity with the Japanese people as we see the tragic fire at the beautiful #shuricastle,” she wrote on her Twitter account. “This is a loss for all humanity.”  Okinawa was under U.S. occupation until 1972, two decades after the rest of Japan regained full independence.


thetorontostar--2019-08-09--China issues top warning for strong typhoon nearing coast

BEIJING - China issued its top warning for coastal areas of Zhejiang province Friday ahead of a strong typhoon carrying heavy rain and winds and expected to send an intense storm surge up the mighty Yangzte River.  Heavy rain was expected in Zhejiang, Shanghai and nearby provinces on Friday before Typhoon Lekima hits land on Saturday morning, then weakens as it moves north.  Parts of northern Taiwan closed offices and suspended classes at schools on Friday as the storm passed northeast of the island. The same area was hit by a magnitude 6.0 earthquake Thursday that caused minor damage but no deaths or injuries.  The red alert China issued is the most serious in its four-tired alert system, prompting authorities to prepare evacuations, suspend train and air travel and require vessels to return to port. In Zhejiang, ferry service had been cancelled and more than 200 tourists evacuated from popular Beiji island.  The National Meteorological Center said Lekima was gusting at 209 kph (130 mph) and travelling northwesterly at 13 kph (8 mph). Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau put its sustained winds at 173 kph (108 mph) and said the bands of wind and rains around the storm’s eye were shrinking.  The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters warned authorities overseeing seven provinces including Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangsu and Shanghai Municipality to make preparations and have emergency response systems ready to be deployed. In Zhejiang, nearly 5,000 fishing boats had been recalled to port, authorities reported.  An intense storm surge was expected to raise waters in the estuary of the Yangzte River, China’s mightiest, beginning Friday. Three main streams of the Yangzte River are likely to exceed alert levels and the commission overseeing the river for the Ministry of Water Resources has ordered efforts to prevent floods and oversaturation of levees along the river’s banks.  Get more of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star. Sign up for our newsletters to get today's top stories, your favourite columnists and lots more in your inbox Sign Up Now


eveningstandard--2019-01-09--Ocean plastic pollution Beached whale with plastic bag in mouth dies in North Carolina

Ocean plastic pollution: Beached whale with plastic bag in mouth dies in North Carolina

An endangered Sei whale has been put down after it stranded itself on a beach in Masonboro Island, North Carolina.  A team from the University of North Carolina Wilmington Marine Mammal Stranding Programme were called to the Island where the whale was discovered, and described as "very, very thin."  After the marine mammal was sedated, an onsite volunteer vet made the decision to euthanise it, before a necropsy (animal autopsy) was carried out.  During the necropsy, a black plastic rubbish bag was found in the mouth of the whale.  Ann Pabst, a member of the Programme, told WECT6 News: “It was just a piece of trash that the animal found in the water.  "It’s so important to be really careful about what we put in the water because what we put in the water can end up in the mouth of a whale."  She added she did not think the bag was the cause of death, but said it "didn't help the animal in its debilitated state."  Robbie Johnson, who was at the scene when the whale was discovered, posted on Facebook that the event was "life changing" for him.  In an emotional post, he said: "It was very emotional looking into the eye of the magnificent mammal, yet pales in comparison to what I have felt now that I've had a couple of days to absorb and look at photos of her."  He added the experience was: "Horrific, brutal, sad, tragic, disheartening."  It is estimated that there are more than 5 trillion pieces of plastic packaging in the ocean, which pose a serious threat to marine wildlife.  In November, a whale discovered washed up on an Indonesian was found to have almost six kilos of plastic in its stomach.


eveningstandard--2019-01-17--Plastic in the ocean Sustainable seas report warns plastic pollution aposcould treble within 10 y

Plastic in the ocean: Sustainable seas report warns plastic pollution 'could treble within 10 years'

Plastic pollution in the ocean could treble in 10 years if single-use plastics are not combated at the source, a damning report has suggested.  The Sustainable Seas Report, commissioned by the Environment Audit Committee, said China, Indonesia, The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam were likely responsible for 60 per cent of plastic in the ocean, but suggested suggested the UK shipping its waste to these countries "could be exacerbating the problem."  It added: "There is much more that the Government could to to prevent waste reaching the ocean, both domestically and by not exporting waste to countries with poor recycling infrastructure.  "Supporting Indonesia and Malaysia to reduce plastic while simultaneously exporting contaminated plastics to them shows the lack of a lined-up approach at the heart of the Government’s strategy."  The report quoted Will McCallum, head of oceans at Greenpeace, who said: "This problem on the other side of the world still involves UK waste, and that is waste that sometimes we think is being recycled."  Although it acknowledges the Government's action on single-use plastics - such as the carrier bag charge, which has reduced the use of plastic carrier bags by 86 per cent since 2015 - the report calls for more action.  McCallum suggested the Government could introduce a tax on virgin plastics (new plastic that has not been used before) to drive people away from using single-use plastic.  Overall, the report praised the Waste and Resources Strategy, released by DEFRA in December, for making producers of single-use plastic pay more towards recycling and disposal.  However, it added many of the strategy's action points were subject to consultation.  When questioned by the Committee about why there were not more measures to tackle plastic in the 2018 Budget, Claire Perry MP said: "There are many ways to tackle the plastics problem.  "Clearly part of that is to improve recycling rates and there are consultations currently out there on the idea of deposit schemes—refunds for deposits.  "We have shown absolute leadership in banning microbeads, which is something that other European countries have not done."


eveningstandard--2019-01-21--Plastic pollution Swan pictured aposeating plastic for lunchapos in Exeter Quay described as a

Plastic pollution: Swan pictured 'eating plastic for lunch' in Exeter Quay described as 'so sad' by onlookers

Shocking photos have emerged of a swan tucking into a polystyrene food container, highlighting the impact of plastic pollution on wildlife.  The photos, taken by Lucy Forsey and posted on Twitter, show the bird ripping apart the box - which appears to be made of single-use plastic and not recyclable - with its beak.  It appears to then eat the pieces of polystyrene it has torn off the box, while the rest of the litter floats on the surface of the water.  In a tweet, Forsey said the incident at Exeter Quay was "so sad" to watch as the swan began "eating a plastic food container for lunch."  These harrowing photos again highlight the dangers of our addiction to single-use plastic and the effect our plastic problem is having on the environment.  Over the last few months, several photos and videos have emerged of marine animals who have been trapped in plastic structures.  In November, a sperm whale washed up on an Indonesian shore with six kilos of plastic in its stomach - which was identified as a likely cause of death.


eveningstandard--2019-01-31--UK ocean plastic pollution crisis Every seal dolphin and whale washed up on British shores had pla

UK ocean plastic pollution crisis: Every seal, dolphin and whale washed up on British shores had plastic in their stomachs, report says

Every single animal washed up on Britain’s shore that was examined by scientists in a new study had traces of plastic in its stomach.  In results that have been described as “ominous” by anti-plastic campaigners, all of the 50 beached seals, whales and dolphins included in the study presented microplastics.  Researchers from the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) found that a staggering 84 per cent of these microplastics had come from synthetic fibres, which are usually given off by clothes, fishing nets and toothbrushes.  The rest of the plastic discovered inside the animals’ stomachs were tiny fragments that had broken off from larger items, such as plastic bottles.  Sarah Helms, lead author of the study, said the results were “shocking – but not surprising.”  She added: “We don’t yet know what effects the microplastics, or the chemicals on and in them, might have on marine mammals.  “More research is needed to better understand the potential impacts on animal health.”  The species included in this study included bottlenose dolphins, harbour seals, pygmy sperm whales and white-beaked dolphins.  Dr Penelope Lindeque, head of the marine plastics research group at PML, described the results as “disconcerting.”  The scientist said: “From our work over the years we have found microplastic in nearly all the species of marine animals we have looked at.”  The study, which was supported by Greenpeace, also found that animals who died of infectious diseases had more microplastics in their stomachs.  At the moment, scientists are not sure what this means for the effect microplastics have on marine wildlife, but Professor Brendan Godley of the University of Exeter declared it was “not good news.”  After the worrying results were published, Louise Edge from Greenpeace UK said:  “It is ominous that every single marine mammal tested was found to have microplastics in their digestive system, and it shows the scale of plastic pollution in our seas.  “This is yet more evidence that the government and big businesses need to focus their efforts on drastically reducing the use and waste of plastics, to stem the flow of plastic pollution into our rivers and oceans and into the mouths of marine wildlife.”  A Sustainable Seas Report published by the Environment Audit Committee in January called on the government to set stricter targets for reducing single-use plastic in the UK.  Responding to the Committee, Claire Perry MP said: "There are many ways to tackle the plastics problem.  "Clearly part of that is to improve recycling rates and there are consultations currently out there on the idea of deposit schemes—refunds for deposits.  "We have shown absolute leadership in banning microbeads, which is something that other European countries have not done."


eveningstandard--2019-02-04--UK plastic pollution Animals under threat more than ever before warns RSPCA report

UK plastic pollution: Animals under threat more than ever before, warns RSPCA report

Incidents of plastic affecting animals in the UK have risen to an “all-time high” over the last four years, with seals suffering the most.  A report from the RSPCA found recorded incidents of seals becoming trapped in plastic has increased by 22 per cent from 2015-2018 across England and Wales.  Although incidents of animals being affected by litter have fallen over the three years, plastic-specific occurrences rose from 473 to 579.  Water birds have also suffered from plastic litter, with incidents involving geese almost doubling over the period.  Although overall incidents were on the rise in England and Wales, the report showed the increase was not as stark in London.  However, of the 799 occurrences recorded in the capital over four years, about one third of these were down to plastic.  While angling (fishing) litter was responsible for some of the incidents affecting animals in 2018, most of the plastic waste involved in the 579 recorded incidents was general litter.  Adam Grogan, RSPCA’s head of wildlife, said: “This shocking rise in plastic litter incidents suggests that plastic is a growing threat to animals.  “Every year, the RSPCA deals with increasing numbers of mammals, birds and reptiles that have become entangled or affected in some way by discarded plastic.  “From seals with deep infected wounds caused by plastic frisbees cutting into their necks, to swans and geese trapped in fishing line or netting, plastic is clearly having an increasing impact on animal welfare.  “Our latest data sadly reflects the wider litter crisis taking place right now across the globe and action is urgently needed.  “It’s up to every one of us to do our bit in the war against litter.”


eveningstandard--2019-03-07--River Thamesapos plastic pollution London river contains one of the highest levels of microplasti

River Thames' plastic pollution: London river contains one of the highest levels of microplastics of all UK waterways

Microplastic traces have been found in every single river and waterway tested in a UK wide study.  The research, carried out by Bangor University and Friends of the Earth, has prompted calls for routine monitoring of all UK waters to detect the pollutants.  Researchers used a flourescence lighting system to identify microplastics per litre of water tested.  The most polluted river was the River Tame in Greater Manchester, which presented more than 1000 pieces of microplastic per litre of water.  In London, the Thames contained 84.1 pieces per litre.  Dr Christian Dunn, from Bangor University, said: “It was more than a little startling to discover microplastics were present in even the most remote sites we tested, and quite depressing they were there in some of our country’s most iconic locations."  He added the findings should encourage people to start taking the threat of microplastics more seriously.  “Plastic is polluting our rivers, lakes and wetlands in a similar way as pollutants such as so-called ‘emerging contaminants’ like pharmaceutical waste, personal care products and pesticides.  “As with all emerging contaminants we don’t yet fully know the dangers they present to wildlife and ecosystems, or even human health, and to what levels they occur in all our water systems.  “But it’s now clear that microplastics should be considered a serious emerging contaminant and there needs to be a concerted effort to regularly monitor all our inland waters for them.  “Our method provides a straightforward and low-cost way of doing this so we now need to roll it out and see if our preliminary results are just the tip of the iceberg.”  Friends of the Earth has backed legislation presented to Parliament to phase out plastic pollution in the UK within 25 years and ditch non-essential plastic by 2025.  The campaign group has also joined Dr Dunn in calling for further investigation into health risks that could come from microplastics to find determine 'safe' levels.  Julian Kirby, plastics campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: “The widespread contamination of our rivers and lakes with microplastic pollution is a major concern, and people will understandably want to know what impact this could have on their health and environment.  “Plastic pollution is everywhere - it’s been found in our rivers, our highest mountains and our deepest oceans."


eveningstandard--2019-03-18--Beached whale Plastic pollution in the Philippines killed this whale with a shocking 40kg of plasti

Beached whale: Plastic pollution in the Philippines killed this whale with a shocking 40kg of plastic bags found in its stomach

A whale that was found washed up on a beach in The Philippines had consumed 40 kg of plastic bags which were found in its stomach.  Photos posted on the Facebook page for the D'Bone Collector Museum Inc. in the city of Davao show the dead mammal being examined after its death.  The photos show a staggering amount of plastic which appears to be from carrier bags in the whale's stomach.  As the plastic is pulled from the whale's body, it is pulled out and shown up to the camera, highlighting the sheer volume of the material lodged within its body.  In the Facebook post, the Museum said the official cause of death was "40 kilos of plastic bags."  According to the Museum, 16 rice sacks and four bags that possibly came from banana plantations were in the whale's stomach, as well as "multiple plastic bags."  The shocking findings were described as "the most plastic we have ever seen in a whale."  The Museum added: "It's disgusting. Action must be taken by the government against those who continue to treat the waterways and ocean as dumpsters."


eveningstandard--2019-03-18--Dead whale Plastic pollution in the Philippines beached and killed this whale with a shocking 40kg

Dead whale: Plastic pollution in the Philippines beached and killed this whale with a shocking 40kg found in its stomach


eveningstandard--2019-05-10--Beach clean up Design students create eco-friendly bin to help collect plastic pollution on Britain

Beach clean up: Design students create eco-friendly bin to help collect plastic pollution on Britain's beaches

Talented students from the University of East London have created a bin to dispose of plastic waste on Britain’s beaches.  Emily Hodgkinson and George Davis, are studying for a degree in Product Design and have created a bin in the shape of a life ring to highlight the impact of plastic pollution on sea life.  Working with the environmental charity GreenSeas Trust and the Mayor of Blackpool, they will launch the bin at Blackpool Pier on June 5, World Environment Day.  The goal is to roll out additional bins to other seaside towns around the UK as part of the charity’s #BinsForGreenSeas campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers to marine life from plastic pollution.  Emily said,: “I believe that product designers have a responsibility to create something now that will also consider the future of our planet. Since designing the bin for GreenSeas, I have developed a greater appreciation of the need to protect our oceans and wildlife from the ever growing threat of plastic waste.”  George added: “The project was important to me personally as I had spent many years sailing as an instructor in the sea cadets and saw first-hand the widespread impact plastic waste has on the sea. This project has helped to develop my understanding of product design and the major impact the objects we design have on the earth. It’s time for eco-friendly designs to become the norm.”  The bin case is designed to look like a stack of life rings.  On the front are images of sea life as well as a plastic bag, which illustrates that whales and sharks often die from eating plastic, mistaking them for jellyfish.


eveningstandard--2019-05-14--Plastic pollution aposkills one person every 30 secondsapos in developing countries report find

Plastic pollution 'kills one person every 30 seconds' in developing countries, report finds

One person dies every 30 seconds in developing countries from diseases caused by plastic pollution and rubbish, a report has found.  Researchers found that each year between 400,000 and a million people are dying in developing countries from illnesses and diseases like diarrhoea, malaria and cancers caused by living near uncollected waste and plastic pollution.  The figures were released on Tuesday in a report by international relief and development agency Tearfund, alongside the Institute of Development Studies, WasteAid and conservation charity Fauna & Flora International (FFI).  Sir David Attenborough, a vice president at FFI, said: "This report is one of the first to highlight the impacts of plastic pollution not just on wildlife but also on the world's poorest people.  "Humankind's ability to produce this material on an industrial scale far outstrips our ability to manage it, and as a consequence plastic is choking our rivers and seas.  “We need leadership from those who are responsible for introducing plastic to countries where it cannot be adequately managed, and we need international action to support the communities and governments most acutely affected by this crisis.”  Globally one in four people - two billion - do not have their rubbish collected, according to Tearfund.  A statement on the report said: "When rubbish isn’t collected it often builds up in rivers and causes flooding, which can lead to diarrhoea and a host of infectious diseases.  "Often the only other way to dispose of waste is to burn it in the streets, with the resulting fumes being extremely damaging to health as well as - in some countries - being the single largest source of carbon emissions, contributing to climate change."  The report has called for multinational companies to change their business models by committing to reporting the number of single-use plastic items they distribute in developing countries by 2020, and halving this by 2025.  Tearfund's Dr Ruth Valerio said: “The CEOs running these multinationals can no longer ignore the human cost of single-use plastic - fundamental changes to business models are urgently required. There is no time to waste.”  The study comes after it was revealed that plastic waste was recently found during the deepest ocean dive on record, which saw explorer Victor Vescovo descend nearly 11km down into the Pacific Ocean.  The journey to extreme depths of the Mariana Trench encountered new species of sea creatures, as well as a plastic bag and sweet wrappers.


eveningstandard--2019-06-19--River Thames plastic pollution London river is the second most plastic-polluted in a study of 13 r

River Thames plastic pollution: London river is the second most plastic-polluted in a study of 13, report finds

The River Thames came second in a report assessing the extent of plastic contamination in 13 rivers across Britain, Greenpeace has announced.  A total of 108 pieces of plastic were found in samples, 45 pieces more than what was collected in the Aire, which came in third.  The most contaminated river, however – by a large margin – was the Mersey, which relinquished 942 pieces of plastic across all samples. This makes the north-western river proportionally more polluted with plastic than the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, holding roughly 2 million pieces of microplastic per square km, according to Greenpeace.  The rivers analysed where The Exe, Thames, Severn, Great Ouse, Trent, Mersey, Aire, Derwent, Wear, Conwy, Wye, Clyde and Lagan, and all were found to contain microplastics.  Five tested positive for microbeads as well, in spite of a partial ban introduced on the plastic particles in 2017.  Greenpeace, which conducted the report, is campaigning for the Government to set 'legally-binding plastic reduction targets' in the forthcoming Environment Bill, to reduce the current production and use of single-use plastic packaging by half, by 2025.  They are also proposing that an independent environmental watchdog be set-up to ensure these targets are met in full.