21.   It added to the slowly accumulating evidence of a nation experiencing complete economic collapse, with few resources for rebuilding even when the natural disasters come to an end.

22.   Then came disaster.

23.   Tomescu said the disaster came at a particularly bad time for Romania, which has begun negotiating eventual EU membership.

24.   The air disaster came days before the United States was to play host beginning Friday to the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, a showcase for America.

25.   The disaster came a year and a day after a storm killed five paying climbers near the summit.