Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Earthquake, Bus Crash and Arms Talks Lead October 12 News
A strong earthquake badly damaged San Salvador and killed about 1,000 people.
Around 4,000 more people were hurt.
The country's president declared an emergency and asked doctors and nurses to go to hospitals.
In India, a bus fell into a deep ditch near Dhar, killing 11 people and hurting 22.
Meanwhile, US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev finished another session of talks in Iceland.
Their discussions were not being shared publicly, though reports described different views on nuclear testing and missiles.
The United States also offered India a chance to help make defence equipment.
Its defence secretary said he would talk with Pakistan and China to address India's security concerns.
A catastrophic earthquake badly damaged San Salvador, killing about 1,000 people and injuring 4,000.
President José Napoleón Duarte declared a state of emergency and appealed for medical staff.
A Punjab Roadways bus fell into a ditch near Dhar, killing 11 and injuring 22.
Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev completed the second session of their talks in Iceland amid a news blackout.
US Defence Secretary Caspar Weinberger offered India co-production of defence equipment and talks involving Pakistan and China.
- Who
- People affected by the earthquake in San Salvador and the bus crash near Dhar; Ronald Reagan, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Caspar Weinberger.
- What
- Earthquake casualties, a fatal bus crash, US-Soviet talks, and a US defence-production offer to India.
- When
- October 12, 1986; the earthquake occurred on Friday, according to the report.
- Where
- San Salvador; near Dhar, 20 km from Pathankot, Punjab; talks in Iceland.
- Why
- The US offer aimed to address India's security concerns and reduce tensions in the Subcontinent; the earthquake and bus crash were reported as disasters without a stated cause.
Soviet position
US position
Nuclear testing and arms agreements
Soviet position
Publicised positions said Mikhail Gorbachev wanted either a test ban or a Euromissile accord.
US position
Publicised positions said Ronald Reagan wanted to continue testing, including nuclear components for space arms.
- Earthquake deaths
- About 1,000
- Earthquake injuries
- 4,000
- Emergency response
- President José Napoleón Duarte declared a national state of emergency and called for doctors and nurses.
- Bus crash deaths
- 11
- Bus crash injuries
- 22, including three seriously injured
- US-Soviet talks
- The second session concluded in Iceland amid a news blackout.
- US offer to India
- Co-production facilities for defence equipment, plus proposed talks with Pakistan and China.