Two earthquakes struck southeast Spain in quick succession yesterday, killing at least eight people, injuring dozens and causing major damage to buildings, officials said. The highest quake-related death toll in Spain in more than 50 years occurred when the quakes - with magnitudes of 4.4 and 5.2 - struck close to the town of Lorca, with the second about two hours after the first. Reports suggested that those who died were struck by falling debris in the streets after fleeing their houses, which they feared might collapse. Dozens of injured people were being treated at the scene and a field hospital was set up in the town of about 85,000 people, officials said. Some are in a critical condition...Read more...Tuesday 17 May 2011
Eight killed by falling debris as they fled their homes in fear after two earthquakes strike southern Spain
Two earthquakes struck southeast Spain in quick succession yesterday, killing at least eight people, injuring dozens and causing major damage to buildings, officials said. The highest quake-related death toll in Spain in more than 50 years occurred when the quakes - with magnitudes of 4.4 and 5.2 - struck close to the town of Lorca, with the second about two hours after the first. Reports suggested that those who died were struck by falling debris in the streets after fleeing their houses, which they feared might collapse. Dozens of injured people were being treated at the scene and a field hospital was set up in the town of about 85,000 people, officials said. Some are in a critical condition...Read more...