Twin Bomb Explosions Shatter Boston Marathon Finish Line

[SeaVisionBurma]

Twin blasts shatter Boston marathon finish line, killing 2 and wounding 23

TWO bombs have exploded near the finish of the Boston Marathon, killing two people, injuring 23 others and sending authorities rushing to help wounded spectators.

One runner, a Rhode Island state police officer, said he saw at least two dozen people with very serious injuries, including missing limbs.

About two hours after the winners crossed the line of America's oldest and most prestigious marathon, there was a loud explosion just before the photo bridge that marks the finish line. Another explosion could be heard a few seconds later.

The Boston Marathon said that bombs caused the two explosions and that organisers were working with authorities to determine what happened.

The Boston Police Department said two people were killed and 23 others injured.

More here: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/twin-blasts-shatter-boston-marathon-finish-line-killing-2-and-wounding-22/story-e6frg6so-1226621201417

[SeaVisionBurma]

Two explosions near finish line of Boston Marathon

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/world-news/reports-of-explosion-near-finish-line-of-boston-marathon/story-fndir2ev-1226621194152#ixzz2QZOL0200

[Mosha]

Watching the BBC, it seems authorities haven't yet used the B word, just calling them explosions.

[JDGRUEN]

A third explosion and fire also occurred at the JFK Library Center a few miles away. Also there are credible reports that a injured Saudi Arabian National is being held in a local hospital under guard. But as is often the case in these types of incidents - verification of these reports will be required.

These were definitely bombs... and there is a report of two other unexploded devices that were also found. Plus reports of video showing back packs being placed before the explosions. Latest reports show 12 dead and about 60 injured... Again - verification required ... but this is not just rumor.

Edited April 15, 2013 by JDGRUEN

[SeaVisionBurma]

Various news reports saying the JFK library was fire related - not a blast.

Some news sources are saying the report of a Saudi person in custody is false.

And yes the 'B' word might be a bit premature - that was just one of the first reports I could post. All the news sources I've seen agree that it is 'twin blasts'.

I'm sure more accurate information will come in time

[Mosha]

They are saying the JFK library incident was not connected to the marathon events.

[LivinginKata]

President Obama on TV making a statement right now..

No doubt that it is being called a bombing, in fact 2 bombs near the finish line of the Boston marathon.

[Mrjlh]

Now the speculators will run "wild". Wait a day or two for the real story to come out! There happened to be surveillance cameras all over the place that are now being checked. Lets see what they show before making wild accusation. Oh wait!...I'm sorry this is Thai Visa! And a Thai didn't do it!

[LivinginKata]

BBC reporting .... Citing a White House official, the Reuters news agency reports the bombings will be treated as "an act of terror".

[balo]

Terrorists most likely . But they probably missed their targets , only 2 dead so far

[TexasRanger]

Brings back memories of the I.R.A.

[Scott]

Off-topic posts and replies deleted.

[theblether]

Cowardice of the first order, and it doesn't matter who planted the bombs and for what cause, they are rotten stinking cowards.

Who in their right mind would target a fun event like the Boston Marathon? I lay you short odds that some of the people injured were raising money for charity, the best of human nature meets the worst of human nature.

Hunt them down, hunt them down.

[Loptr]

Not trying to be a conspiracy theorist, but it is interesting that this attack took place on April 15th, the 101st birthday of Kim Sung-Il.

[ChinChanGamble]

Not trying to be a conspiracy theorist, but it is interesting that this attack took place on April 15th, the 101st birthday of Kim Sung-Il.

And Pyongyang just happened to have their own marathon yesterday too! But I don't think they're involved, I think it will come out to be an American.

Sent from my LT26i using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[saakura]

Not trying to be a conspiracy theorist, but it is interesting that this attack took place on April 15th, the 101st birthday of Kim Sung-Il.

More brilliant theories will no doubt follow in the course of the day from the TV brigade

[Loptr]

Not trying to be a conspiracy theorist, but it is interesting that this attack took place on April 15th, the 101st birthday of Kim Sung-Il.

More brilliant theories will no doubt follow in the course of the day from the TV brigade

Which is why I posed it as "interesting" and not a "theory".

[theblether]

Not trying to be a conspiracy theorist, but it is interesting that this attack took place on April 15th, the 101st birthday of Kim Sung-Il.

More brilliant theories will no doubt follow in the course of the day from the TV brigade

Intelligence analysts were last week pointing to the 15th as being a likely day for some form of attack by North Korea so it's a fair call by Loptr.

On the other hand I don't think this is the type of attack the North Koreans would carry out, it looks too low level for them. They like fancy stuff such as sinking ships and bombing Islands.

[F430murci]

Saying dark skinned, dark haired foreign speaking male with black pack. They found two additional devices, one has been detonated by police. They are describing the devices as crude or modest.

[webfact]

Obama's Remarks On Boston Marathon Bombing

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. President Barack Obama addressed the nation Monday after two bomb blasts hit the Boston Marathon, killing at least two people and injuring more than 120 others in an apparent terrorist attack. Here is the full text of his remarks:

"Good afternoon, everybody. Earlier today, I was briefed by my homeland security team on the events in Boston. We're continuing to monitor and respond to the situation as it unfolds. And I've directed the full resources of the federal government to help state and local authorities protect our people, increase security around the United States as necessary, and investigate what happened.

The American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight. And Michelle and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in the wake of this senseless loss.

We don't yet have all the answers. But we do know that multiple people have been wounded, some gravely, in explosions at the Boston Marathon.

I've spoken to FBI Director Mueller and Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano, and they're mobilizing the appropriate resources to investigate and to respond.

I've updated leaders of Congress in both parties, and we reaffirmed that on days like this there are no Republicans or Democrats -- we are Americans, united in concern for our fellow citizens.

I've also spoken with Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino, and made it clear that they have every single federal resource necessary to care for the victims and counsel the families. And above all, I made clear to them that all Americans stand with the people of Boston.

Boston police, firefighters, and first responders as well as the National Guard responded heroically, and continue to do so as we speak. Itâs a reminder that so many Americans serve and sacrifice on our behalf every single day, without regard to their own safety, in dangerous and difficult circumstances. And we salute all those who assisted in responding so quickly and professionally to this tragedy.

We still do not know who did this or why. And people shouldnât jump to conclusions before we have all the facts. But make no mistake -- we will get to the bottom of this. And we will find out who did this; we'll find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.

Today is a holiday in Massachusetts -- Patriotsâ Day. Itâs a day that celebrates the free and fiercely independent spirit that this great American city of Boston has reflected from the earliest days of our nation. And itâs a day that draws the world to Bostonâs streets in a spirit of friendly competition. Boston is a tough and resilient town. So are its people. I'm supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other, and move forward as one proud city. And as they do, the American people will be with them every single step of the way.

You should anticipate that as we get more information, our teams will provide you briefings. We're still in the investigation stage at this point. But I just want to reiterate we will find out who did this and we will hold them accountable.

Thank you very much.
(Copyright 2013 by BNO News B.V. All rights reserved. Info: [email protected].)

[F430murci]

147 injured, 17 critical, many with amputations. Legs and arms flying everywhere. 8 year old boy among 2 dead.

[chooka]

Terrorists most likely . But they probably missed their targets , only 2 dead so far

I believe from news reports in Australia that the FBI have a Saudi man in custody.

[webfact]

Two dead, dozens hurt in Boston Marathon blasts

BOSTON (AFP) -- Two explosions struck one of America's top sporting events Monday, killing at least two and wounding dozens as the Boston Marathon erupted in a maelstrom of blood, screams, smoke and panic.

As cities from New York to Los Angeles went on high alert, Americans with ever-vivid memories of the September 11, 2001 suicide airliner attacks immediately wondered if the country had been hit again by terrorists.

President Barack Obama went on national television to say it was not yet clear who was behind the blasts. He said the perpetrators would pay. He did not utter the word "terror."

"We still do not know who did this or why. And people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all the facts," Obama said.

"But make no mistake, we will get to the bottom of this, and we will find out who did this, we’ll find out why they did this."

A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said later that "any event with multiple explosive devices -- as this appears to be -- is clearly an act of terror."

The blast scene served up a horrific chorus of wailing and screaming as bewildered runners and spectators fled the scene of blood and carnage.

News reports said one of the fatalities was an eight-year-old boy and that some of the injured lost limbs. One woman told CNN the blast was the loudest sound she had ever heard, and it made the ground shake.

The blasts struck near the finish line of the marathon, long after the winners had crossed. Runners still headed to the finish line when the blasts rocked downtown Boston were diverted elsewhere. Some 27,000 people were entered to take part in the race.

Video footage on American TV showed the moment when the first blast apparently struck: the detonation came on the left side of the course, behind a row of colorful national flags showing how runners come from around the world to take part.

Security people in yellow jackets throw their hands to their ears as the blast takes place and runners are thrown to the ground as white smoke billows upward. The already waving flags whipped violently with the shock wave of the explosion.

Grisly accounts abounded. "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.’"

NBC News, citing officials, reported that police had found "multiple explosive devices" in Boston, raising the possibility of a coordinated attack.

The twin explosions come more than a decade after nearly 3,000 people were killed in airplane strikes on New York, Washington and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001.

The sense of panic in the immediate aftermath of the blasts, and fear of more explosions, was so acute that Boston authorities urged people not to congregate in large crowds.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said she believed the blasts were in fact an attack but it was unclear if the perpetrators were homegrown or foreign.

Asked if this was terrorism, she told reporters: "It looks that way."

And Senator Susan Collins said her staff spoke with the National Counter Terrorism Center and were told that while was no intelligence warning of an attack, "I believe this attack bears all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack."

Initially, authorities said there had been a third explosion at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, but the facility later said there was an electrical fire that had been extinguished without causing any injuries.

The total number of injured was not immediately clear but the Boston Globe said it was at least 125.

Security was stepped up in New York and Washington -- both sites of 9/11 attacks -- as well as in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

In the Big Apple, police said they were boosting security at hotels and "other prominent locations in the city."

The blasts in Boston rattled US markets, sending the Dow and the S&P 500 down at the close.

"Praying for those at the Boston Marathon today," said one of the US senators from Massachusetts, Elizabeth Warren. US lawmakers observed a moment of silence.

The Boston Marathon is one of the biggest annual athletic events held in the United States. Racers must qualify to compete and there are tens of thousands of spectators.

The race attracts world-class athletes, most of whom would have likely completed the race a couple of hours before the blast went off. The video clip of the blast showed the marathon timeclock at 4:09:44.

Hours later, the flag at the majestic white dome of the US Capitol in Washington was lowered in honor of the blast victims.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-04-16

[Morden]

CNN is reporting that ball bearings are being removed from victims so the first explosion, at least, must be a bomb.

[webfact]

Dramatic footage of the Boston Bomb Explosions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZheZbTug7A&feature=youtube_gdata&noredirect=1

[metisdead]

A post containing a link to another forum has been removed:

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[webfact]

At least two dead in Boston explosions, Obama vows justice

Boston/Washington -- At least two people are confirmed dead and dozens injured in two powerful explosions that occurred Monday near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

President Barack Obama vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice as an investigation was launched. There were no suspects in custody and Obama stopped short of calling the incident a terrorist attack, but an unnamed White House official later said it was "clearly an act of terror."

There were "simultaneous explosions" at 2:50 pm (1850 GMT) about 50 to 100 metres apart with "multiple casualties," Boston police commissioner Ed Davis said at a press conference.

The winners had already crossed the finish line when the explosions occurred, but thousands of other runners were still on the course of the elite marathon in which about 26,000 runners participated. Organizers immediately cleared the area near the finish line and stopped the race.


-- The Nation 2013-04-16

[F430murci]

Sorry about linking forum. Pictures came from here. Do NOT look if squeamish. Very, very sad and the reality of pain and suffering caused by these type of acts.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/slideshow/3087332/292101/?icid=hp_crime_gallery

Caution is advised when opening the above link as some of the pictures are quite disturbing

Edited April 16, 2013 by metisdead
Added caution note

[chooka]

Two dead, dozens hurt in Boston Marathon blasts

BOSTON (AFP) -- Two explosions struck one of America's top sporting events Monday, killing at least two and wounding dozens as the Boston Marathon erupted in a maelstrom of blood, screams, smoke and panic.

As cities from New York to Los Angeles went on high alert, Americans with ever-vivid memories of the September 11, 2001 suicide airliner attacks immediately wondered if the country had been hit again by terrorists.

President Barack Obama went on national television to say it was not yet clear who was behind the blasts. He said the perpetrators would pay. He did not utter the word "terror."

"We still do not know who did this or why. And people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all the facts," Obama said.

"But make no mistake, we will get to the bottom of this, and we will find out who did this, we’ll find out why they did this."

A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said later that "any event with multiple explosive devices -- as this appears to be -- is clearly an act of terror."

The blast scene served up a horrific chorus of wailing and screaming as bewildered runners and spectators fled the scene of blood and carnage.

News reports said one of the fatalities was an eight-year-old boy and that some of the injured lost limbs. One woman told CNN the blast was the loudest sound she had ever heard, and it made the ground shake.

The blasts struck near the finish line of the marathon, long after the winners had crossed. Runners still headed to the finish line when the blasts rocked downtown Boston were diverted elsewhere. Some 27,000 people were entered to take part in the race.

Video footage on American TV showed the moment when the first blast apparently struck: the detonation came on the left side of the course, behind a row of colorful national flags showing how runners come from around the world to take part.

Security people in yellow jackets throw their hands to their ears as the blast takes place and runners are thrown to the ground as white smoke billows upward. The already waving flags whipped violently with the shock wave of the explosion.

Grisly accounts abounded. "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.’"

NBC News, citing officials, reported that police had found "multiple explosive devices" in Boston, raising the possibility of a coordinated attack.

The twin explosions come more than a decade after nearly 3,000 people were killed in airplane strikes on New York, Washington and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001.

The sense of panic in the immediate aftermath of the blasts, and fear of more explosions, was so acute that Boston authorities urged people not to congregate in large crowds.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said she believed the blasts were in fact an attack but it was unclear if the perpetrators were homegrown or foreign.

Asked if this was terrorism, she told reporters: "It looks that way."

And Senator Susan Collins said her staff spoke with the National Counter Terrorism Center and were told that while was no intelligence warning of an attack, "I believe this attack bears all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack."

Initially, authorities said there had been a third explosion at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, but the facility later said there was an electrical fire that had been extinguished without causing any injuries.

The total number of injured was not immediately clear but the Boston Globe said it was at least 125.

Security was stepped up in New York and Washington -- both sites of 9/11 attacks -- as well as in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

In the Big Apple, police said they were boosting security at hotels and "other prominent locations in the city."

The blasts in Boston rattled US markets, sending the Dow and the S&P 500 down at the close.

"Praying for those at the Boston Marathon today," said one of the US senators from Massachusetts, Elizabeth Warren. US lawmakers observed a moment of silence.

The Boston Marathon is one of the biggest annual athletic events held in the United States. Racers must qualify to compete and there are tens of thousands of spectators.

The race attracts world-class athletes, most of whom would have likely completed the race a couple of hours before the blast went off. The video clip of the blast showed the marathon timeclock at 4:09:44.

Hours later, the flag at the majestic white dome of the US Capitol in Washington was lowered in honor of the blast victims.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-04-16

Three (3) dead

[webfact]

RT @mpoppel: Number of injured in Boston bombings rises to 141, according to CNN. 3 others confirmed dead