This Week in Pictures: June 20 – 26, 2017

With so many big stories breaking around the world over the last seven days we take a moment to look back at some of the most important in our review of last week’s big stories.

In China last week heavy rainfall has been blamed for a landslide that engulfed more that 60 homes with over a hundred feared buried under rock and earth. Chinese state media reported the tragedy in the village of Xinmo which lies in the south-western Sichuan province and the massive rescue effort mobilized involving more than 1,000 workers, however with just three people pulled alive from the debris and fifteen bodies recovered on Saturday rescue services were pessimistic about finding more surviors.

In Pakistan last week a petrol tanker over-turned in Ahmad Pur Sharqia as it came off the road and tipped over near Bahawalpur. This attracted a large crowd of locals attempting to rescue the 25,000 litres of fuel being spilt. Unfortunately an accidental ignition of the fuel caused the tanker to explode killing over 150, many of them women and children, in an horrific explosion and subsequent intense fire. Dozens more were burnt with over 50 people reported to be hospitalized and in critical condition.

In the UK the State Opening Of Parliament went ahead with a little less pom and circumstance than usual last week after Theresa May called a snap election although Her Majesty the Queen did arrive to read a predominantly Brexit orientated speech wearing an outfit manifestly aping the flag of the European Union. The UK parliament also hit the headlines last week for being the latest victims of a hacking scandal with dozens of email accounts affected and the Russians suspected of being behind it.

In sport a chaotic and eventful Azerbaijan Grand Prix saw one of the most exciting F1 races for decades unfold on the Baku street circuit. Numerous restarts, tire issues and the two championship leaders getting stroppy with each other it was left to Daniel Ricciardo to giggle his way across the line in first, Valtteri Bottas to snatch second from 18 year old Lance Stroll who got his first podium in third. Is he a future F1 champion? Our daily news pages will tell you but in the meantime here’s last week’s big stories.

1. We take a look at the best sport to bet on in the US online.

2. GamingZion broke down the odds for a few of the 2017 MLS Cup betting favorites.

3. Could the Queen be playing in your local casino? Here are a few signs to help you spot her.

4. One ungrateful casino player choose $43 million over a steak dinner. Check out the story here.

5. Karamba Casino revealed a new site and bonuses.

6. We break down some of the best managers in La Liga. Who do you think qualifies?

7. Members of Paddy Power can now place their bet on who will rule Westeros in season seven of Game of Thrones.

Meanwhile in Australia an AirAsia X flight enroute from Perth to Malaysia was forced to turn back after what the airline euphemistically termed “technical issues”. Passengers reported hearing a loud bang an hour into the flight and then the A330 aircraft shaking violently for the rest of the flight back. The pilot twice asked passengers to pray during the return journey to Perth where the flight landed safely although what a deity might do about trouble with a Rolls Royce Trent 700 engine was unclear.