Massive earthquake under Mexico City kills and injures thousands of civilians

This week in 1985, a huge earthquake hit Mexico not far from its capital, Mexico City, resulting in thousands of casualties and widespread damage. A massive aftershock, almost as severe as the main earthquake, hit Mexico City a day later, magnifying the damage caused by the first tremor.

The rescue operation continued to find survivors up to a week later. Among the most remarkable rescues was that of 58 newborn babies, pulled alive from the wreckage of a hospital maternity ward three days after the earthquake hit.

The Mexico City earthquake was the most catastrophic in the North American country’s history.

More than 10,000 people lost their lives, 30,000 were injured, and large parts of the city were destroyed.

Thousands of buildings were completely devastated and a quarter of a million Mexicans lost their homes.

Weeks after the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior, a Greenpeace ship, on 10 July 1985, French Prime Minister LaurentFabius summoned journalists to his office to read a 200-word statement in which he said: “The truth is cruel,” and acknowledged that “Agents of the French secret service sank this boat. They were acting on orders.”

In boxing, Larry Holmes stepped in the ring looking to equal Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 career record and to make his 20th successful title defence.

His opponent, Michael Spinks, was looking to make history as well.

After winning the undisputed championship at light heavyweight, Spinks had moved up in weight to try to become the second fighter after Bob Fitzsimmons to win titles at both light heavyweight and heavyweight.

In the end, Spinks defeated Holmes to become the first reigning light heavyweight champion to win the heavyweight title.

After the fight, a bitter Holmes told the press, “Rocky Marciano couldn’t carry my jockstrap.”