Taiwan: Dozens killed as train crashes and derails in tunnel - BBC News

At least 48 people have been killed and dozens more injured after a train carrying nearly 500 crashed and then derailed in a tunnel in Taiwan.

The eight-carriage train reportedly hit a construction vehicle that had slipped onto the tracks at the tunnel's mouth.

Rescuers combed badly damaged carriages inside the tunnel to find survivors, some of whom smashed windows to flee.

The train, from the capital Taipei to Taitung, was carrying people travelling for a long-weekend annual holiday.

Many people may have been standing because the train was so full.

The 408 train is one of the fastest deployed on a network that is generally considered safe. It can reach speeds of 130km/h (80mph).

Friday's crash is Taiwan's worst rail disaster in decades. President Tsai Ing-wen has sent her condolences to the families of the victims and ordered an investigation.

Reuters

The latest reports from the National Fire Agency say 490 people were on the train, with 48 dead and some 66 injured.

'Sudden violent jolt'

Some people at the back of the train were able to walk away unscathed, while 100 were rescued from the first four carriages. Many of the dead, injured and trapped were in four crumpled carriages inside the tunnel.

"It felt like there was a sudden violent jolt and I found myself falling to the floor," one female survivor told Taiwan's UDN. "We broke the window to climb to the roof of the train to get out."

Another rescued woman said: "My whole body fell to the floor. I hit my head and it started bleeding."

Reuters

The crash took place at about 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT).

Local media reports say the train driver is among the dead.

Images show a large, yellow flatbed truck lying at the side of the tracks. A construction project has been under way near the north end of the tunnel.

It is not known how the vehicle slipped down the embankment.

Survivors on stretchers

Other pictures showed people walking along the tracks with their belongings as they were evacuated from less badly affected carriages.

Other survivors were being carried away on stretchers with their necks in braces.

EPA

Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang visited the crash site on Friday afternoon.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Twitter: "I offer my sincere condolences to all those affected by this morning's rail accident in Taiwan."

Many of those on the train are believed to have been travelling to celebrate the Tomb Sweeping festival - a time when people pay their respects to the dead by visiting the graves of friends and family, sprucing them up and making offerings to their spirits.

The last major train derailment in Taiwan was in 2018, which left 18 people dead.

The island's worst crash in recent history was in 1991, when 30 passengers were killed and 112 injured after two trains collided.

You may wish to read:

• Why is everyone fighting over the South China Sea?
• The Taiwan-sized challenge facing the next US president

Are you in the area? Did you witness what happened? If it is safe to do so, share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Upload pictures or video
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiLmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3dvcmxkLWFzaWEtNTY2MTIyNDjSATJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYmMuY28udWsvbmV3cy9hbXAvd29ybGQtYXNpYS01NjYxMjI0OA?oc=5

2021-04-02 09:51:12Z
52781480270852

Taiwan: Dozens killed as train crashes and derails in tunnel - BBC News

At least 48 people have been killed and dozens more injured after a train carrying nearly 500 crashed and then derailed in a tunnel in Taiwan.

The eight-carriage train reportedly hit a construction vehicle that had slipped onto the tracks at the tunnel's mouth.

Rescuers combed badly damaged carriages inside the tunnel to find survivors, some of whom smashed windows to flee.

The train, from the capital Taipei to Taitung, was carrying people travelling for a long-weekend annual holiday.

Many people may have been standing because the train was so full.

The 408 train is one of the fastest deployed on a network that is generally considered safe. It can reach speeds of 130km/h (80mph).

Friday's crash is Taiwan's worst rail disaster in decades. President Tsai Ing-wen has sent her condolences to the families of the victims and ordered an investigation.

Reuters

The latest reports from the National Fire Agency say 490 people were on the train, with 48 dead and some 66 injured.

'Sudden violent jolt'

Some people at the back of the train were able to walk away unscathed, while 100 were rescued from the first four carriages. Many of the dead, injured and trapped were in four crumpled carriages inside the tunnel.

"It felt like there was a sudden violent jolt and I found myself falling to the floor," one female survivor told Taiwan's UDN. "We broke the window to climb to the roof of the train to get out."

Another rescued woman said: "My whole body fell to the floor. I hit my head and it started bleeding."

Reuters

The crash took place at about 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT).

Local media reports say the train driver is among the dead.

Images show a large, yellow flatbed truck lying at the side of the tracks. A construction project has been under way near the north end of the tunnel.

It is not known how the vehicle slipped down the embankment.

Survivors on stretchers

Other pictures showed people walking along the tracks with their belongings as they were evacuated from less badly affected carriages.

Other survivors were being carried away on stretchers with their necks in braces.

EPA

Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang visited the crash site on Friday afternoon.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Twitter: "I offer my sincere condolences to all those affected by this morning's rail accident in Taiwan."

Many of those on the train are believed to have been travelling to celebrate the Tomb Sweeping festival - a time when people pay their respects to the dead by visiting the graves of friends and family, sprucing them up and making offerings to their spirits.

The last major train derailment in Taiwan was in 2018, which left 18 people dead.

The island's worst crash in recent history was in 1991, when 30 passengers were killed and 112 injured after two trains collided.

Are you in the area? Did you witness what happened? If it is safe to do so, share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Upload pictures or video
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiLmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3dvcmxkLWFzaWEtNTY2MTIyNDjSATJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYmMuY28udWsvbmV3cy9hbXAvd29ybGQtYXNpYS01NjYxMjI0OA?oc=5

2021-04-02 09:12:38Z
CBMiLmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3dvcmxkLWFzaWEtNTY2MTIyNDjSATJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYmMuY28udWsvbmV3cy9hbXAvd29ybGQtYXNpYS01NjYxMjI0OA

Taiwan: Dozens killed as train crashes and derails in tunnel - BBC News

At least 48 people have been killed and dozens more injured after a train carrying nearly 500 crashed and then derailed in a tunnel in Taiwan.

The eight-carriage train reportedly hit a construction vehicle that had slipped onto the tracks at the tunnel's mouth.

Rescuers combed badly damaged carriages inside the tunnel to find survivors, some of whom smashed windows to flee.

The train, from the capital Taipei to Taitung, was carrying people travelling for a long-weekend annual holiday.

Many people may have been standing because the train was so full.

The 408 train is one of the fastest deployed on a network that is generally considered safe. It can reach speeds of 130km/h (80mph).

Friday's crash is Taiwan's worst rail disaster in decades.

Reuters

The latest reports from the National Fire Agency say 490 people were on the train, with 48 dead and some 66 injured.

Some people at the back of the train were able to walk away unscathed, while 100 were rescued from the first four carriages. Many of the dead, injured and trapped were in four crumpled carriages inside the tunnel.

"It felt like there was a sudden violent jolt and I found myself falling to the floor," one female survivor told Taiwan's UDN. "We broke the window to climb to the roof of the train to get out."

Another rescued woman said: "My whole body fell to the floor. I hit my head and it started bleeding."

Reuters

The crash took place at about 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT). Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen issued a statement saying "rescuing those trapped is our highest priority now".

Local media reports say the train driver is among the dead.

Images show a large, yellow flatbed truck lying at the side of the tracks. A construction project has been under way near the north end of the tunnel.

It is not known how the vehicle slipped down the embankment.

EPA

Other pictures online showed people walking along the tracks with their belongings as they were evacuated from less badly affected carriages. Other survivors were being carried away on stretchers with their necks in braces.

Many of those on the train are believed to have been travelling to celebrate the Tomb Sweeping festival - a time when people pay their respects to the dead by visiting the graves of friends and family, sprucing them up and making offerings to their spirits.

The last major train derailment in Taiwan was in 2018, which left 18 people dead.

The island's worst crash in recent history was in 1991, when 30 passengers were killed and 112 injured after two trains collided.

Are you in the area? Did you witness what happened? If it is safe to do so, share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Upload pictures or video
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiLmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3dvcmxkLWFzaWEtNTY2MTIyNDjSATJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYmMuY28udWsvbmV3cy9hbXAvd29ybGQtYXNpYS01NjYxMjI0OA?oc=5

2021-04-02 08:12:55Z
CBMiLmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3dvcmxkLWFzaWEtNTY2MTIyNDjSATJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYmMuY28udWsvbmV3cy9hbXAvd29ybGQtYXNpYS01NjYxMjI0OA

Russia strides into diplomatic void after Myanmar coup - Financial Times

Myanmar’s military junta marked Armed Forces Day last week in the capital Naypyidaw with a parade featuring tanks, missiles and a flyover of military aircraft, including Russian-made MiG-29 combat jets.

Seven Asian countries sent low-profile delegations to the event hosted by coup leader General Min Aung Hlaing last week. But the highest-ranking official to attend was from further afield: Alexander Fomin, Russia’s deputy defence minister.

Russia is striding into a diplomatic void left by the world’s other leading powers, as they deliberate whether — and to what extent — to engage with the junta that on February 1 seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government. Moscow’s attitude has echoes of its 2015 decision to lend military support to President Bashar al-Assad’s pariah regime in Syria, helping turn the tide of the civil war in the dictator’s favour.

“In terms of appearance, yes, it’s a big middle finger to the west: ‘We can do what we want’,” said Alexander Gabuev, chair of the Russia in the Asia-Pacific Program at the Carnegie Moscow Center, of the decision to send a top official to Naypyidaw. 

As Min Aung Hlaing surveyed his troops last weekend, an estimated 169 people were killed by the regime, including at least 14 children, a nurse and a Mandalay snack vendor who was shot and burnt alive by troops, according to local media.

The conflict has shown signs of broadening into an international one in recent days. Refugees escaping air strikes in an area of eastern Myanmar controlled by an ethnic Karen militia army have fled into Thailand. Three other minority armed groups said they planned to join what they called the “spring revolution” being fought in Myanmar’s cities if the military did not stop its killing, according to Reuters.

Protests against the coup have continued, despite an intensifying military crackdown that has been condemned by much of the international community © Stringer/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

“Myanmar could easily become a failed state within a matter of months, with violent urban unrest, a fast escalation of ethnic-based armed conflicts, and a widespread humanitarian emergency,” said Thant Myint-U, a historian and author. “The economy is in freefall, imperilling the lives and livelihoods of tens of millions of people.” 

Russia’s decision to deal openly with a government most of the world has shunned was opportunistic, driven largely by the prospect of increased arms sales, analysts said. But Moscow also has less to lose from the worsening civil conflict than Myanmar’s Asian neighbours.

“Myanmar is not on Russia’s doorstep, so they don’t have to worry about the fallout, and don’t have to deal with the refugee crisis,” said Hervé Lemahieu, director of the Power and Diplomacy Program at the Lowy Institute, an Australian think-tank. 

Russia’s ties with Myanmar date to the country’s former military regime and continued during the decade of democracy. Moscow has courted closer political and economic ties with Asian countries since being targeted by western sanctions after its 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Fomin also has longstanding relationships with Myanmar officials thanks to his former job as head of the defence ministry’s military-technical co-operation department. He helped to sell some of the Russian hardware displayed in the armed forces parade.

Russia is Myanmar’s second-largest supplier of weaponry after China, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, a think-tank. Myanmar’s military is awaiting delivery of six Sukhoi Su-30 advanced fighter jets ordered in 2019, and the two sides signed contracts for a Russian air defence system and a suite of tactical surveillance drones in January, according to the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, a Moscow-based defence think-tank. 

“They see an opening here to increase their market share at the expense of China and others,” Gabuev said. “Even if there is a democratic government in the future, the more you sell now, the more you lock the armed forces into training programmes and additional sales.” 

Moscow’s gambit in Myanmar also underscored the disarray and mixed messages emanating from the wider international community after the coup. 

The US has been most blunt in denouncing the junta’s seizure of power, imposing sanctions on top military officials and their businesses. Washington also froze a trade deal with Myanmar this week. Japan, Myanmar’s biggest aid donor, suspended new development assistance in what its foreign minister called a “clear position”. 

However, India and China, Myanmar’s big neighbours, have been more reserved in their public remarks and sent representatives to the military parade. 

Beijing, which had good relations with Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, has been particularly guarded in its public stance after anti-Chinese sentiment erupted among anti-coup protesters.

Beijing’s most forceful remarks came last month when the foreign ministry voiced concern about “the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel” after some garment factories in Yangon were set alight. 

The junta will have to seek business partners in Russia and elsewhere as more sanctions are imposed, investors withdraw and credit lines dry up. “We are waiting for your businessmen,” Min Aung Hlaing told the editor of Moskovsky Komsomolets, a Moscow-based newspaper, who was part of the Russian delegation. 

Moscow, in turn, has made an early bet on what it believes is the likelier winning side, said analysts. 

“Russia is gambling that the army will prevail,” said Thant Myint-U. “It’s a low-risk gamble as Russia has little to lose if Myanmar descends into civil war, but if the army holds on to power Moscow will have a new friend on the Indian Ocean.”

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiP2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZ0LmNvbS9jb250ZW50LzJkMzE2OGI5LWU0ZWItNDhiMy1iNWE0LWQ5OTE5ZGZjYzk2YdIBAA?oc=5

2021-04-02 00:30:44Z
52781478203359

George Floyd: It's going to be an uphill battle for the defence to justify Derek Chauvin's actions - Sky News

For the first time we've now seen what happened in the moments after George Floyd's arrest.

Two paramedics arrived at the scene and saw a number of police officers on top of him.

They assumed the patient was putting up a struggle. On closer inspection they found he was in fact unresponsive.

The court heard officers stayed on George Floyd's neck while one paramedic tried to detect a pulse. He didn't find one.

"In lay terms, I thought he was dead," said Derek Smith.

Advertisement

More harrowing bodycam footage shows the other paramedic Seth Bravinder gesturing for the officers to move.

Image: George Floyd treated by paramedic. Image from court

They then pull George Floyd's "limp" body onto a stretcher and into the ambulance.

More from Derek Chauvin

A cardiac monitor showed George Floyd was flatlining - essentially there was no pulse.

It was only after the ambulance arrived that George Floyd received medical attention. By this point paramedics already believed him to be dead.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

'He was one of a kind'

It's going to be an uphill battle for the defence to justify Derek Chauvin's actions - keeping his knee on George Floyd's neck - when he was in the condition described by the paramedics as "unresponsive", "limp", and "dead".

The prosecution has once again sought to deal with the issue of George Floyd's drug use.

Emotional testimony from his girlfriend Courteney Ross described how they both suffered from an opioid addiction over a number of years.

Image: Derek Chauvin (R) listens during the opening of his trial

It's another pre-emptive strike by prosecutors seeking to take the wind out of the defence's sails, who will likely claim he died of a drug overdose.

The prosecution strategy is to show George Floyd had used drugs long-term - so why would opioids have killed him on 25 May last year?

The big difference that day, they will argue, is Derek Chauvin's knee was on his neck.

Prosecutors are seeking to appear transparent with the jury that George Floyd was no angel.

He took drugs and he may have been high and have resisted arrest on the day in question.

But they will seek to show he was a human being with flaws like the rest of us and none of those things killed him.

George Floyd Killing: The Trial - We will bring you live continuous coverage of court proceedings in the trial of Derek Chauvin on our website, app, YouTube and Sky Pop Up Channel on 524

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMigwFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9nZW9yZ2UtZmxveWQtaXRzLWdvaW5nLXRvLWJlLWFuLXVwaGlsbC1iYXR0bGUtZm9yLXRoZS1kZWZlbmNlLXRvLWp1c3RpZnktZGVyZWstY2hhdXZpbnMtYWN0aW9ucy0xMjI2MzM3NNIBhwFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9hbXAvZ2VvcmdlLWZsb3lkLWl0cy1nb2luZy10by1iZS1hbi11cGhpbGwtYmF0dGxlLWZvci10aGUtZGVmZW5jZS10by1qdXN0aWZ5LWRlcmVrLWNoYXV2aW5zLWFjdGlvbnMtMTIyNjMzNzQ?oc=5

2021-04-02 04:01:50Z
52781465334576

Mounted police TRAMPLE people before turning water cannons on others - Daily Mail

Belgian mounted police TRAMPLE revellers with their horses and use water cannons in violent clashes as they try to clear thousands lured to lockdown-breaching 'festival' in park by April Fools' prank

• Belgians rushed to park in Brussels to attend the fake 'La Boum' music festival 
• Huge crowds launched into a party on the grass, with speakers blasting music 
•  When they refused to disperse, police on horseback charged into crowds 
• Other officers fired water cannons and used tear gas against rowdy revellers

By Jemma Carr For Mailonline

Published: 18:58 BST, 1 April 2021 | Updated: 23:20 BST, 1 April 2021

Belgian police officers trampled park-goers under horses' hooves after revellers refused to leave a prank festival for April Fools Day.

More than 2,000 Belgians rushed to Bois de la Cambre park in Brussels to attend the fake 'La Boum' festival which was announced on Facebook as a joke.

It promised 'eight stages, a hundred DJs and zero coronavirus rules'.

Huge crowds - unperturbed by the revelation that the festival was a hoax - launched into a party on the grass, with speakers blasting music and revellers dancing and singing along.

When they refused to disperse, police on horseback charged into crowds while other officers fired water cannons and used tear gas against rowdy revellers.

Horrifying footage shows one many being trampled by a horse that careens directly into him. Onlookers quickly rush to his aid. 

Four people were arrested and three police officers were injured in the clashes, the force confirmed.

Belgian police officers trampled park-goers under horses' hooves after revellers refused to leave a prank festival for April Fools Day

A horse ran straight into one man (right, moments before he was hit) in the park on Thursday

The man was hit by the horse and sent crashing to the floor. Horrified onlookers rush to help

Bruxelles aujourd'hui les policiers déployés par dizaines, à cheval ou à pied, en équipements antiémeutes policiers + canons à eau pour disperser un rassemblement au Bois de la Cambre, 1 femme grièvement blessée par un cheval! Toute cette armée est mobilisée au nom de l'EPIDEMIE! pic.twitter.com/SyuGBzzhRc

— Le Général💎 (@LE_GENERAL_FR) April 1, 2021

More than 2,000 Belgians (pictured being dispersed) rushed to Bois de la Cambre park in Brussels to attend the fake 'La Boum' festival which was announced on Facebook as a joke

A girl was seen being lead away with a bloody nose by two others amid the chaos

Moments before the clashes, police were seen firing pepper spray at a party-goer in Brussels

One girl stood with her arms out in front of a large fire blocking the road at the festival

Huge crowds - unperturbed by the revelation that the festival was a hoax - launched into a party on the grass, with speakers blasting music and revellers dancing and singing along. Pictured: Police spraying water cannons at revellers

When they refused to disperse, police on horseback charged into crowds while other officers fired water cannons (pictured) and used tear gas against rowdy revellers

A woman poses with her hands in the shape of a heart in front of a fire set by partygoers in Belgium

A woman is seen running through the spray caused by a water cannon in Belgium on Thursday

Last month, Belgium authorities announced a raft of stricter measures to combat a third wave of Covid-19 sweeping through Europe.

The country has a 10pm curfew in place in most areas and all bars, cafés and restaurants are closed - as are all of Belgium's schools. 

Non-essential shops are open but they can only be visited with a pre-booked appointment. 

As of March 24, all outdoor gatherings are limited to just four people.

Police were seen spraying pepper spray into the faces of demonstrators who cowered in fear

A woman is seen clutching her head and crying after the fake La Boum lockdown party descended into chaos

Revellers remained at the park into the night. Several were seen standing on a van

Party goers were seen standing on a van in Belgium. The windscreen was smashed

Revellers were seen standing by a huge fire they started in Belgium during clashes with police

Belgian youth set a fire as they gathered for a fake concert announced on social media

People are seen holding cloths up to their mouths as they make their way through the tear gas in the park

Four people were arrested and three police officers were injured in the clashes (pictured), the force confirmed

 Organisers of the La Boum festival told party-goers that the event was fake several times leading up to April 1. Pictured: Police clearing revellers from the park 

Organisers of the La Boum festival told party-goers that the event was fake several times leading up to April 1. 

But even so, police officers were forced to rush in to break up the gathering and clear lockdown-breaching revellers from the park at around 5pm. 

Those who refused to leave began throwing objects - including bottles - at police officers, local paper The Brussels Times reports.

It was then that police began using water cannons, tear gas, pepper spray and a drone to break up the party.

Earlier this week, mayor of the City of Brussels Philippe Close insisted the event was 'unauthorised and fake' - but warned people may gather regardless. Pictured: Police breaking up the event 

Belgium has a daily infection rate of 420 - making it the tenth worst-hit nation in Europe. Pictured: People at the event today 

Police officers (pictured) were forced to rush in to break up the gathering and clear lockdown-breaching revellers from the park at around 5pm

A woman is seen getting ready to throw a bottle at police officers at the prank festival today 

People throw stones and bottles towards the police during a protest at Bois de la Cambre park in Brussels

Party-goers clashed with police in Bois de la Cambre park in Brussels on Thursday

Chaotic footage taken at the scene shows police on horseback charging directly into revellers. 

Earlier this week, mayor of the City of Brussels Philippe Close insisted the event was 'unauthorised and fake' - but warned people may gather regardless.

He said 'police will be present at Bois de la Cambre and will act with discernment in the event of an actual gathering' and urged party goers to consider officers 'who have a lot of work to do and are subject to complex tasks in the context of the pandemic'. 

Belgium has a daily infection rate of 420 - making it the tenth worst-hit nation in Europe.

Over the past week, the UK has recorded an average of 73 cases per one million people every day. 

This is a lower rate than all 27 EU nations apart from Denmark and Portugal, which have both adopted strict lockdowns. 

Belgium has reported over 882,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 23,000 virus-related deaths. Pictured: The party moments before the police arrived

Hospitalizations due to Covid -19 have risen in recent weeks in Belgium and health authorities have warned that intensive care units could reach a critical level by April 10 if the pace of new infections and hospitalizations does not slow down. Pictured: The party today

Revellers were seen enjoying the party in Bois de la Cambre in Belgium shortly before it was broken up by police

Hungary - the worst-affected EU nation - has a daily rate of 882 cases per one million.

In France it is 571, while the rate in the Netherlands is 449 and in Italy it is 334. 

As Europe battles a third wave, UK cases, deaths and hospitalisations have fallen to a six-month low.

On Wednesday, another 43 deaths and 4,052 cases were recorded. 

Deaths are now averaging 50 a day, down from a peak of 1,284 deaths on January 19. It also marked a 56 per cent week-on-week drop in deaths on last Wednesday.

And today, Britain's daily coronavirus cases dropped by a third in a week and deaths are continuing to fall.

Department of Health bosses posted 4,479 lab-confirmed cases today and 51 deaths — down 20 per cent on the same time last week.

Figures also showed more second vaccine doses (404,922) than first shots (241,906) were dished out for the second day in a row.

Data across the board revealed the virus remains in retreat, prompting experts to claim reopening schools had a 'very small' impact on cases and England was in a 'good position' for the next bout of lockdown-easing on April 12.

The Office for National Statistics estimated 148,100 Britons were infected on any given day last week — the lowest figure since before the second wave spiralled out of control and down almost 10 per cent on the previous seven-day spell. 

Belgium has reported over 882,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 23,000 virus-related deaths. 

Hospitalizations due to Covid -19 have risen in recent weeks and health authorities have warned that intensive care units could reach a critical level by April 10 if the pace of new infections and hospitalizations does not slow down. 

Large crowds have been gathering in Brussels parks this week to enjoy the unusually warm weather.

Another event has been advertised for Friday in a different Brussels park, promoted by a group called the Abyss. 

The group said it does not question the government's strategy but fights for citizens' rights to gather outdoors.  

Read more:

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMicGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmRhaWx5bWFpbC5jby51ay9uZXdzL2FydGljbGUtOTQyODEyOS9Nb3VudGVkLXBvbGljZS1UUkFNUExFLXBlb3BsZS10dXJuaW5nLXdhdGVyLWNhbm5vbnMtb3RoZXJzLmh0bWzSAXRodHRwczovL3d3dy5kYWlseW1haWwuY28udWsvbmV3cy9hcnRpY2xlLTk0MjgxMjkvYW1wL01vdW50ZWQtcG9saWNlLVRSQU1QTEUtcGVvcGxlLXR1cm5pbmctd2F0ZXItY2Fubm9ucy1vdGhlcnMuaHRtbA?oc=5

2021-04-01 22:12:12Z
52781478986851