Unfortunately, 2017 was a year filled with tragedies such as mass shootings, terrorist attacks, and devastating natural disasters. To learn about some of the biggest news stories which rocked the world in 2017, simply continue reading.
Biggest News Stories from 2017:
1. Westminister Terrorist Attack Kills Five
On the 22nd of March 2017, a terrorist attack took place on London’s Westminister Bridge, which injured 50 pedestrians and killed five individuals. Khalid Masood was identified as the terrorist who plowed his car into as many pedestrians as he could.
Masood was born as Adrian Russell Elms and only changed his name to Khalid Masood after he converted to Islam in prison. While there is no concrete evidence which links Masood’s act of terror to Isis, police have reason to believe that Masood may have been part of an Islamic terrorist organization.
2. More than 50 individuals are shot in a Las Vegas based mass shooting
Over 58 individuals were tragically gunned down in a Las Vegas based mass shooting, which took place at the Route 91 Harvest Festival. A popular concert, which attracted a crowd of around 22,000 spectators. To add to the terror, hundreds of individuals were injured as a result of the shooting.
The shooter was identified as Stephen Craig Paddock, a 64-year-old American citizen who had no known ties to any terrorist organizations. Paddock shot his victims from his room at the Mandalay Bay, which was situated on the 32nd floor and offered a clear view of the Route 91 Harvest Festival.
Paddock was thought to have taken his own life, with one of the ten rifles which were found in his hotel room. It is believed that Paddock suffered from serious psychological issues.
3. Inferno engulfs a 24 storey London accommodation block
12 individuals lost their lives in an inferno which engulfed a Grenfell accommodation block in London. The 24-storey accommodation block, was home to over 200 residents out of whom 74 residents ended up being treated in a London hospital for serious injuries. 20 of whom arrived at the hospital needing critical care.
While over 40 fire tricks and 200 firefighters arrived on the scene to try and rescue as many residents as possible, due to the poor design of the Grenfell accommodation complex, 12 individuals still ended up losing their lives inside the fiery blaze which engulfed the Grenfell building.
4. Hurricane Harvey hits Texas
On the 25th of August, Hurricane Harvey ravaged the state of Texas, killing 80 individuals and resulting in over $150 billion dollars of damage.
5. Harvey Weinstein faces serious sexual abuse allegations
Harvey Weinstein who is best known for co-founding the billion-dollar entertainment company Miramax, which is best known for distributing Hollywood films, was accused of sexual harassment by dozens of A-list actresses and models. As a result, Weinstein was fired from Miramax, which he co-founded and was divorced by his high profile fashion designer wife Georgia Chapman, who is the founder of the fashion brand Marchesa.
2017 was definitely a year which was packed full of tragic news stories which shook the world. As a result, the world will wait with bated breath to see what 2018 has in store!