Survivor Recalls Horrific Details of 7/7 London Bombings

GBUnited Kingdom|

In a new BBC Two documentary series, survivor Sudhesh Dahad recounted his terrifying experience during the July 7, 2005 bombings in London, which claimed the lives of 52 people and injured over 770 others. Dahad was on a packed Piccadilly Line train when a bomb detonated, describing the moment as feeling incredibly surreal. “My first thought was that I must be in a nightmare,” he recalled.

As chaos ensued, Dahad initially struggled to comprehend his surroundings, assuming he might be dreaming. He expressed his fear of further attacks, fearing the possibility of a chemical weapon following the explosion. Smoke infiltrated the train, leading many passengers to lower themselves to the ground, convinced it could protect them from potential toxins.

The documentary, titled "7/7: The London Bombings," features several survivors sharing their stories of that tragic day, when simultaneous bomb blasts targeted three Tube trains and a bus across London. The series is set to air starting January 5.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United Kingdom

Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates to Combat Weak Economic Growth

The Bank of England announced a reduction in interest rates to 4.5%, signaling concerns over the UK’s sluggish economic growth and rising inflation pressures. This marks the third rate cut in six months, with a majority vote of seven to two by the monetary policy committee. The reduction aims to alleviate financial strain on borrowers as the bank halved its growth forecast for 2025 from 1.5% to 0.75%, according to Governor Andrew Bailey. Despite the rate cut, inflation is projected to peak at 3.7% by autumn, nearly doubling the government’s 2% target. This follows a decrease in inflation rates, which fell to 2.5% in December from 2.6% in November. Economists express concerns that the bank's ability to reduce rates further is constrained by renewed inflation, exacerbated by rising energy prices and global trade tensions linked to US policies. The economic outlook remains precarious, with industry leaders warning that proposed tax increases and wage hikes could lead to job cuts or higher prices for consumers. Experts anticipate the UK may face stagflation, characterized by stagnant growth and heightened inflation.
GBUnited Kingdom

UK Scientists Unlock Secrets of Ancient Vesuvius Scrolls Using AI

UK researchers have achieved a significant milestone in deciphering 2,000-year-old papyrus scrolls charred by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Discovered in the 1750s in Herculaneum, these scrolls were rendered unreadable due to extreme heat and ash but were preserved over centuries. Scholars have been attempting to unroll and read the fragile artifacts for over 250 years. The breakthrough was announced at the "Vesuvius Challenge," where tech executives offered prizes for advancements in this area. University of Kentucky computer scientist Brent Seales, a co-founder of the challenge, noted that researchers successfully generated the first image of the interior of one of the scrolls from Oxford University's Bodleian Library, revealing more recoverable text than previously detected in other Herculaneum scrolls. Advanced imaging, facilitated by a synchrotron at Diamond Light Source using powerful X-rays, and artificial intelligence have enabled the virtual unrolling of the scroll. Though minimal text has been deciphered, including the ancient Greek term for "disgust," curators remain optimistic about improving image quality and revealing clearer text in the future.
GBUnited Kingdom

Bank of England Set to Cut Interest Rates Amid Economic Challenges

The Bank of England's monetary policy committee is expected to reduce interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5%, marking the lowest level since June 2023. This decision, anticipated for Thursday, comes as inflation declines and growth forecasts for 2025 are likely to be downgraded from 1.5% to around 1%, according to economists. Analysts, including James Smith from ING, indicated that a weaker growth outlook could threaten Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s budget plans. If the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) confirms that Reeves might exceed her fiscal targets, she may announce spending cuts when she addresses Parliament on March 26. Reeves has indicated that any necessary fiscal adjustments will be revealed after the OBR releases its updated forecast. While potential rate cuts could stimulate the economy by lowering borrowing costs, some economists, such as Simon Pittaway of the Resolution Foundation, caution that a single quarter-point reduction may not significantly boost consumer confidence. The Bank will proceed cautiously, monitoring the implications of Reeves's October fiscal policies before considering further cuts.
GBUnited Kingdom