Man-made Disaster News
Swamp gas blamed for Mexico tourist blast
Authorities investigating an explosion in Mexico which killed five Canadian tourists have said a build-up of gas from a nearby swamp was responsible. Two hotel workers were also killed following the explosion yesterday.
Mexico hotel blast kills Canadian tourists
An investigation is underway after a huge gas blast devastated a resort hotel on Mexico’s Maya Riviera, killing seven people, including five Canadian tourists.
Oil rig explodes in Gulf of Mexico
The US tourism industry has been given a scare after another oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico – just over four months since the BP disaster sparked the worst offshore oil spill in history. But officials said there was no evidence of an oil leak, despite earlier reports of a mile-long sheen on the ocean.
Florida’s summer “saved” by BP donations
Florida tourism officials have credited a $32 million fund donated by BP to encourage holidaymakers to visit despite the Gulf of Mexico oil spill for “saving the summer”. New figures show that visitor numbers to the state rose during the first months of the crisis, which tourism officials credit to an advertising funded by a $32 million donation from BP.
400,000 travel jobs and $22.7bn – the cost of the BP oil spill
Up to 400,000 travel industry jobs could be lost as a result of the BP oil disaster, according to the U.S. Travel Association. The organisation has also put the cost of the spill at $22.7 billion and and taking three years to recover, based on the aftermath of 25 recent natural and man-made disasters.
French forest fire “under control”
A forest fire in the South of France that forced the evacuation of thousands of holidaymakers is reported to be “under control”. The blaze, which police have blamed on arsonists, started on Saturday close to oil refineries near Marseille, has destroyed large areas of woodland.