Disasters – Headline Smart

173 Empty Bottles Found After 16-Year-Old Girl’s Tragic Death, Mother Charged

Prosecutors said detectives found 173 empty alcohol bottles hidden in the 16-year-old girl’s bedroom. GOLDEN, Colo. — A Colorado woman has been charged with second-degree murder after prosecutors said her 16-year-old daughter died in March from pneumonia tied to chronic alcohol use inside their Arvada home. Gretchen Leanne Ryan, 55, is accused of knowingly causing the death of her daughter, identified in public reports as Grace Elizabeth Ryan. The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office said …

920 Dead and Counting: Deadliest Quake Leaves Cities in Ruins

Thousands remained unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck near Caracas. CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s earthquake death toll rose to at least 920 on Friday as rescue crews searched collapsed buildings nearly two days after two powerful quakes struck the country’s north coast and shook the capital region. The updated toll marked a sharp rise from earlier counts near 600. Officials said thousands of people remained missing or unaccounted for, with online registries listing tens …

Tourist Killed as Massive Resort Fire Sparks Chaos for 1,700 Guests

Authorities are investigating what caused the blaze at a major beach resort in the Dominican Republic. SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — A massive fire swept through a beachfront resort on Friday, killing one tourist and forcing the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests from a popular vacation destination on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast. The fire heavily damaged the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe, a tourism hub that attracts visitors from the United …

Deadly 7.8-Magnitude Earthquake Kills Dozens

The magnitude 7.8 offshore earthquake damaged schools, homes, hospitals and roads across the southern Philippines. DAVAO, Philippines — A powerful offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday, killing at least 37 people, injuring hundreds and sending tsunami waves onto parts of Mindanao as rescue crews searched damaged buildings and landslide-hit villages. The magnitude 7.8 quake hit at 7:37 a.m. near Sarangani province, just as many schools were reopening and workers were starting the day. …

“Twin Peaks” Actor Dies Suddenly at 44

The Welsh performer built a career across television, film and London’s West End before his sudden death. CARDIFF, Wales — Welsh actor Owain Rhys Davies, known for appearances in “Twin Peaks: The Return,” “The OA” and numerous West End productions, has died at age 44, according to a statement released by his family. The announcement was made public over the weekend and confirmed Tuesday by multiple entertainment outlets. Davies’ death has drawn attention across the …

Missing Hikers Found Dead Holding Each Other After Volcano Erupts

Two Singaporeans and an Indonesian woman died near the crater after entering a restricted zone. MAMUYA, Indonesia — Rescue teams recovered the bodies of two Singaporean hikers and an Indonesian woman after Mount Dukono erupted Friday on Halmahera island, ending a three-day search in steep terrain, heavy rain and continuing volcanic activity. The deaths have focused attention on why 20 hikers were on one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes despite restrictions around the crater. Seventeen …

Mom and Teen Killed at Soccer Game

Police said the shooting happened outside Southwest Elementary School as children played soccer. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — An 18-year-old man has been charged after police said he fatally shot a teenage boy and a mother of eight during a dispute over a soccer game outside Southwest Elementary School. Rafael Martinez-Lopez faces two counts of open murder, two felony firearm charges and three additional weapons charges in the deaths of 15-year-old Jeremiah Griffin-Cuevas and 39-year-old Savanah …

Huge Explosion at Factory Kills At Least 25

Investigators are examining whether the licensed unit was operating in violation of safety rules and holiday restrictions when the blast tore through the site. VIRUDHUNAGAR, India — A powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in southern India killed at least 25 people and injured several others on Sunday, ripping through a licensed unit in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district and triggering a second blast during rescue work later that evening. The disaster has become one of …

21 People Missing After Boat Capsizes

Rescuers in eastern Congo were still searching Wednesday after a passenger boat sank on a trip to Makengere, with 23 people reported alive and the cause still under investigation. BUKAVU, Congo — At least 21 people were missing Wednesday after a boat carrying passengers across Lake Kivu capsized a day earlier in eastern Congo, authorities said, setting off an ongoing search that rescued 23 people while leaving the total number on board unclear. The accident …

Flight Attendant Thrown From Air Plane Survives in ‘Total Miracle’

The Air Canada Express jet struck a fire truck after landing on Runway 4, killing both pilots and injuring 39 passengers and crew members. NEW YORK, N.Y. — A catastrophic runway collision at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday resulted in the miraculous survival of a flight attendant who was ejected from an Air Canada Express plane. The accident, which is currently under investigation, also claimed the lives of Capt. Antoine Forest and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther, …