The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-12-26

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Four Japanese Were Killed Train Derails in Japan

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA-MNA-Reuters-AFP

A train derailed and toppled over in Japan claiming the lives of four passengers and injuring some 34. The six carriages of the rain derailed due to the gale-force winds while crossing a bridge in Yamagata prefecture late on Sunday night.

A warning note on blizzard had been issued, but since the train was behind schedule, the JR East company order the driver not to slow down despite the severe weather conditions. The driver told the authorities investigating into the accident that a strange noise came into his notice that prompted him to pull the brake. However, three carriages toppled over.

Having to fight against blustery winter weather, the rescue teams managed to free the trapped passengers. As per Kyodo News Agency, the train was en route from Akita to Niigata.

This April witnessed the worst rail accident in more than 40 years claiming the lives of as many as 107 people in Amagasaki, western Japan.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Two Young People Were Killed Accident in a Railroad Crossing

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ΝΕΤ

Celebrating Christmas day took a turn for the worst for two young people in Alexandroupoli, north of Greece. The accident occurred at 01:20 in the small hours in a railroad crossing near Alexandroupolis airport, when the 25-year-old driver tried to cross the railroad crossing. Unfortunately, he failed to see that there was a train coming en route from Orestiada to Thessaloniki via Alexandroupoli and struck the second carriage of the train. The vehicle was instantly ablaze and the driver along with his 22-year-old friend were recovered all burnt. As for their 20-year-old friend, he is being treated in a critical condition.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] A Fire in a Bar Killed 26 People Fatal Celebrations

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA-MNA-Reuters-AP-BBC

China is an atheist country and December 25 is yet another usual day among the rest. However, the younger generations of Chinese think otherwise and see in Christmas time a very good opportunity to have fun. Unfortunately, a Christmas party proved fatal for as many as 26 people, when fire broke out in a nightclub in the city of Zhongshan. At least some eight people were transferred to hospital sustaining heavy injuries.

The causes of the accident still remain to be looked into. As per New China news agency, a police officer ruled out all speculations speaking of arson, however, he avoided commenting on that speculation. According to statistic figures, 200,000 cases of arsons have been recorded since the early 2005.

As per information, the fire is put down either to a failure in the lights or to gas leak. Associated Press, citing sources from the Communist Party, reported that the nightclub was unlicensed and its proprietor was detained and interrogated.

Translated by Areti Christou

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