World – Headline Smart

Panic Erupts as Unknown Spray Sickens Dozens

Police in Japan are investigating after an unknown substance was reportedly sprayed inside a crowded commercial building. TOKYO, Japan — At least 26 people were injured after a person allegedly sprayed an unidentified substance inside a busy Tokyo shopping complex, triggering panic among shoppers and a large emergency response Sunday, authorities said. The incident occurred inside a multistory commercial facility in central Tokyo during one of the weekend’s busiest shopping periods. Witnesses reported hearing screams …

Couple on Vacation Found Stabbed in Crocodile-Infested River

Authorities in South Africa are investigating whether poachers killed the couple and stole their vehicle. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, South Africa — A retired South African couple visiting Kruger National Park were found stabbed to death after disappearing during a sightseeing trip, prompting a major murder investigation and a search for suspects believed to have fled with the victims’ vehicle. Ernst Marais, 71, and his wife Dina Marais, 73, disappeared May 20 after leaving their holiday …

Boy, 10, Found Abandoned by Parents at Airport

Authorities in Spain are reviewing claims that parents boarded a flight after their son could not travel because of passport issues. BARCELONA, Spain — Airport workers in Spain reportedly intervened after a couple allegedly left their 10-year-old son alone at an airport while they boarded a flight for a family vacation, according to local media accounts published Friday. The case drew widespread attention after reports said the child was unable to board because of documentation …

Police Officer Falls to His Death During Dream Vacation

Matthew Paton, 52, fell into a ravine near Machu Picchu while hiking with his wife during a long-planned trip to Peru. CUSCO, Peru — An Australian police officer died after falling nearly 1,000 feet into a ravine while hiking the Inca Trail near Machu Picchu with his wife this week, authorities said, ending a yearslong dream trip that family members said he had carefully planned and eagerly anticipated. Peruvian rescue crews recovered the body of …

Mine Blast Leaves 82 Dead

Officials said at least 82 workers were killed as emergency crews searched damaged underground tunnels following one of the country’s deadliest mining disasters in years. BEIJING, China — Chinese authorities widened a national industrial safety investigation Sunday after a powerful explosion at a coal mine killed at least 82 workers, injured dozens more and triggered renewed scrutiny over safety enforcement in the country’s mining sector. The blast occurred late Friday at a large underground coal …

“Virgin River” Actor Found Dead After Days Missing

Canadian authorities say the “Virgin River” actor disappeared days before his remains were discovered near Lions Bay, British Columbia. LIONS BAY, British Columbia — Canadian actor Stewart McLean, known for appearances in “Virgin River,” “Arrow” and other television series filmed in Vancouver, was found dead this week after being reported missing days earlier, prompting a homicide investigation by authorities in British Columbia. Investigators said McLean, 45, was last seen May 15 at his residence in …

Terrifying Tram Collision Leaves 28 People Hospitalized

Emergency crews rushed to the scene after two trams collided during evening service in western Germany. DÜSSELDORF, Germany — At least 28 people were hospitalized after two trams collided head-on in Düsseldorf on Thursday evening, prompting a major emergency response and disrupting rail service across part of the city, authorities said. The collision happened during regular transit operations in the western German city, where firefighters, police officers and medical teams responded to reports of passengers …

Family Dies After Eating Watermelon

Investigators say rat poison was detected in the fruit and in the victims’ organs, but the source remains unknown. MUMBAI, India — A family of four died in Mumbai after eating watermelon later found to contain a toxic chemical commonly used in rat poison, according to investigators who say they are still trying to determine whether the deaths were accidental, intentional or the result of foul play. Police identified the victims as Abdullah Dokadia, his …

Rugby Player Dies After “Unsurvivable” Midgame Injury

Eugene Hanna, 30, was remembered by clubs across Auckland as a kind teammate and standout character. AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Eugene Hanna, a 30-year-old Glenora Bears rugby league player, died Tuesday after suffering an injury during his team’s May 2 season-opening match against the Te Atatū Roosters, club officials said. Hanna’s death has shaken the West Auckland sports community and prompted statements from his rugby league club, New Zealand Rugby League and several teams he …

Disney Cruise Disaster Leaves Passengers Stuck in Singapore

The May 7 sailing of Disney Adventure ended before departure after a technical issue kept the ship in port. SINGAPORE — Disney Cruise Line canceled a four-night voyage from Singapore after passengers had already boarded its new Disney Adventure ship, leaving families to disembark after a technical problem kept the vessel from leaving port. The canceled May 7-11 sailing drew attention because it involved Disney’s newest and largest cruise ship, a vessel built for the …