International

Explosion in metal factory leaves 13 injured in Ohio, U.S.A.

Photo: Mundo en conflicto

February 21 |

The fire captain of Oakwood County, Ohio, Brian DiRocco, revealed that 13 people were hospitalized after an explosion occurred Monday afternoon at a plant of the U.S. metallurgical company I Schumann & Co, located in Bedford.

The authority said that at least two of the injured are in critical condition due to burns.

According to local reports, several fire and rescue teams responded to the explosion and the fire that broke out in the facilities.

So far, the causes of the accident are not known, nor is it known if there are any fatalities as a result of the accident.

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Likewise, the images released show a significant amount of debris scattered throughout the area of the incident.

On the other hand, employees of the Rose Coloured Gaming company, which is located in front of the damaged building, reported that the debris affected cars in the parking lot and hit the roof of the building.

Other witnesses quoted by local media said that some tanks were blown about 100 meters at the instant of the explosion, and the smoke following the explosion could be seen several kilometers away from the site.

Following the incident, the company issued a statement in which it assured that it will work “together with investigators in the search for answers”, and stressed that efforts “are focused on supporting the first responders who rushed to the scene to help our employees”.

On February 4, a train carrying harmful chemicals derailed in the community of East Palestine, also located in Ohio, causing a major fire, and there are fears that the incident may have caused environmental damage.

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International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.