Boston Marathon Blasts Kill 2, Injure 100
At least two people were killed and 23 others wounded when two explosions struck near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, sparking scenes of panic, police said.
Witnesses said the streets were littered with debris and blood and described paramedics racing off with stretchers. TV footage showed an explosion sending up a white plume of smoke along the sidelines of the race.
A large explosion was heard at 2:45 p.m., about three hours after the winners crossed the finish line. Another explosion occurred a few seconds later. Police did not immediately say whether the explosions were part of a terrorist attack.
"We still do not know who did this or why and people shouldn't jump to conclusions," said President Barack Obama in a press conference Monday evening. "We will find out who did this and we will hold them accountable.
Police officers with their guns drawn hear the second explosion down the street. The first explosion knocked down a runner at the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon.
Boston Marathon Blasts Kill 2, Injure 100
Boston Marathon Blasts Kill 2, Injure 100
Boston Marathon Blasts Kill 2, Injure 100
Boston Marathon Blasts Kill 2, Injure 100
Boston Marathon Blasts Kill 2, Injure 100
Boston Marathon Blasts Kill 2, Injure 100
NBC News, citing officials, later reported that police had found "multiple explosive devices" in Boston.
A video clip posted online showed an explosion going off, apparently several feet back from the barricades and the line of national flags separating the race spectators and the street.
One runner is seen staggering and then falling, while others kept going for a few more steps. Volunteers in yellow jackets covered their ears at the sound of the blast.
"We saw people with their legs blown off," Mark Hagopian, owner of the Charlesmark Hotel, told AFP from the basement of a restaurant where he had sought shelter.
"A person next to me had his legs blown off at the knee -- he was still alive."
"It was bad, it was fast," he said. "There was a gigantic explosion... we felt wind on our faces... Police were saying: 'Get out, get out, leave, leave there may be more bombs.'"
Zara Bielkus, a 30-year-old spectator from Boston, said she heard two explosions seconds apart. Police then locked down the area.
"When we heard them, everyone looked at each other and went very quiet, and within a minute police came," she said.
Local media reported a third explosion nearby, but cited police as saying it was a controlled detonation.
President Obama was notified about the incident, and his administration was in contact with state and local authorities, a White House official said.
Obama called Boston mayor Tom Menino and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick to express his concern for the injured and to offer support.
"Boston is a tough and resilient town, so are its people," Obama said in his press conference. "The American people will be with them every single step of the way."
Security was stepped up in New York and Washington, sites of the 9/11 attacks. In New York, police said they were boosting security at hotels and "other prominent locations in the city."
The blasts in Boston rattled U.S. markets, sending the Dow and the S&P 500 down at the close.
Apr 15, 2013 07:00 PM ET by AFP
