What Happened This Year 2012
Historical Events from This Year 2012
Sinking of the MV Rabaul Queen Ferry
The MV Rabaul Queen, a passenger ferry, sank near the Finschhafen District in Papua New Guinea. An estimated 146 to 165 people drowned as a result of the incident, leading to extensive search and rescue operations. The ferry was reportedly caught in rough seas while traversing the waters from Rabaul to Lae. Efforts by local authorities and survivors to locate missing individuals were hampered by the challenging maritime conditions. This tragedy highlighted the safety standards of passenger ferries in the region.
Continue ReadingStrong Earthquake Strikes Negros Island
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the central Philippine island of Negros, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. The quake, which occurred near the town of Guihulngan, had its epicenter approximately 12 kilometers deep. It resulted in significant infrastructural damage, causing buildings to collapse and sending tremors felt as far away as Cebu City. Rescue efforts were hampered by aftershocks, plunging many areas into chaos. Hospitals became overwhelmed with casualties, highlighting the crisis faced by local emergency services.
Continue ReadingMohamed Nasheed Resigns Amid Protests
Following 23 days of intense protests, Mohamed Nasheed, the President of the Republic of Maldives, resigned amid growing pressure from anti-government demonstrators. The protests were primarily fueled by calls for the release of Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed, who had been arrested by the military. On February 7, 2012, Nasheed's resignation marked a significant moment in the nation's political landscape, reflecting widespread dissent against his administration's actions.
Continue ReadingFirst Launch of the European Vega Rocket
The European Space Agency successfully launched the Vega rocket from Kourou, French Guiana, marking a significant milestone in European access to space. The flight demonstrated Vega's capabilities to carry small payloads into low Earth orbit, thereby providing a new option for satellite launches. Designed primarily for small satellites, Vega has a payload capacity of up to 1,500 kg to a 700 km polar orbit. The launch was an essential step in enhancing Europe’s independent access to space and boosting its competitive edge in the global space market.
Continue ReadingFire Claims Lives in Honduran Prison
In a tragic incident at the Comayagua prison in Honduras, a devastating fire broke out, leading to the deaths of at least 360 inmates. The blaze reportedly started late at night, and many were trapped inside their cells as emergency services struggled to respond effectively. Eyewitnesses described chaos, with inmates shouting for help and attempts to escape hindered by locked doors. With the high number of fatalities, this incident raised significant concerns regarding prison conditions and safety protocols in Honduras.
Continue ReadingForty-four killed in Apodaca prison fight
A violent confrontation erupted in the Apodaca prison in Nuevo León, Mexico, resulting in the deaths of forty-four inmates. The violence began around midnight and reportedly involved rival gangs within the prison. Authorities stated that the fight continued for hours before police were able to restore order. Despite efforts to control the situation, overcrowding and insufficient resources contributed to the unrest. This incident highlighted ongoing issues with the prison system in Mexico, particularly regarding gang violence and inadequacy in rehabilitation efforts.
Continue ReadingDeadly Train Crash in Buenos Aires
A commuter train collided with a barrier in Buenos Aires, resulting in the death of 51 people and injuring around 700 others. The incident occurred during the morning rush hour, when thousands of commuters were on board. The train's braking system failed as it approached the terminal station, leading to the catastrophic crash. Rescue operations commenced immediately, with emergency crews working tirelessly to assist the injured and recover the deceased.
Continue ReadingCoordinated Attacks Rock Iraq, Leaving Many Dead
A series of deadly attacks unfolded across Iraq, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 83 lives and leaving more than 250 individuals injured. The coordinated strikes involved car bombings and attacks on government buildings, mainly targeting Shiite districts in Baghdad and other cities. These assaults intensified fear and tension within the community, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region. The timing of the attacks was particularly notable as they coincided with the anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq, raising concerns over the stability of the nation post-withdrawal of American troops.
Continue ReadingTrain Derailment in Burlington, Ontario
A train derailed in Burlington, Ontario, causing significant casualties. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals and left approximately 45 others injured. Emergency services responded rapidly to the scene, where multiple train cars had gone off the tracks. Authorities investigated the cause of the derailment as trains were often used for passenger and freight transport. The impact on the local community and transportation services was profound.
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