Deadly explosions rock Boston marathon

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Deadly explosions rock Boston marathon

Two explosions shattered the euphoria of the Boston Marathon finish line on Monday, sending authorities out on the course to carry off the injured while the stragglers in the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton were rerouted away from the smoking site of the blasts.

At least two people have died and 23 people were injured, according to the Boston Police Department.

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

WBZ-TV says the medical tent near the end of the marathon course has been filled with many people who have been "gravely injured."

Daniel Lampariello, a college student who was at the finish line, told CBSNews.com that people were trampling each other after the pair of explosions.

"It sounded like a large firework or M-80," he said.

Competitors and race organizers were crying as they fled the chaos. Bloody spectators were being carried to the medical tent that had been set up to care for fatigued runners.

"There are a lot of people down," said one man, whose bib No. 17528 identified him as Frank Deruyter of North Carolina. He was not injured, but marathon workers were carrying one woman, who did not appear to be a runner, to the medical area as blood gushed from her leg. A Boston police officer was wheeled from the course with a leg injury that was bleeding.

About three hours after the winners crossed the line, there was a loud explosion on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the photo bridge that marks the finish line. Another thunderous explosion could be heard a few seconds later.

WBZ reports one blast blew out the windows of a Marathon Sports store on Boylston Street.

President Obama has been notified of the explosions and he has directed his administration to provide whatever assistance is necessary in the investigation and response, CBS News has learned.

There were two "incredibly powerful explosions just seconds apart," according to WBZ-TV's Lis Hughes.

Runner Laura McLean of Toronto said she heard two explosions outside the medical tent.

"There are people who are really, really bloody," McLean said. "They were pulling them into the medical tent."

Cherie Falgoust was waiting for her husband, who was running the race.

"I was expecting my husband any minute," she said. "I don't know what this building is ... it just blew. Just a big bomb, a loud boom, and then glass everywhere. Something hit my head. I don't know what it was. I just ducked."

Two explosions rock Boston marathon; at least 2 dead - CBS News

 

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Explosions kill at least 2 at Boston Marathon; dozens injured- See Video below

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BOSTON — Two bombs exploded at the venerable Boston Marathon on Monday, killing two people, sending hundreds of runners scrambling for cover and rattling nerves around the nation, authorities said.

The blasts occurred in rapid succession as thousands of people were still running. Video footage showed an explosion off to the side as runners were nearing the finish line, with some toppling over from the concussion. Smoke rose into the air, and photos of the scene showed a sidewalk slicked with blood.

The explosions, occurring on the Patriot’s Day holiday that commemorates the Revolutionary War battles of Lexington and Concord, were as shocking in their symbolism as in their force. The Boston Marathon is a highly prestigious race and is as much a symbol of Boston as Fenway Park or the Boston Garden.

The repercussions extended from Massachusetts to Washington, where President Obama was briefed by top officials, the White House increased security, and the Justice Department and FBI mobilized to fully investigate what had happened.

Boston Marathon officials described the blasts near the finish line as originating from “two bombs.” Two federal law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the blasts were caused by explosive devices.

In addition to the two confirmed deaths, police said more than 20 people were injured. Other media reports placed the injury toll as more than 100 people.

Initial reports of another explosion at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston turned out to be an unrelated fire. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick urged people to “stay out of crowds” as they made their way home.

A CNN producer who was at the race said the first large explosion was followed about 10 seconds later by another blast. He said he saw at least five or six people who appeared to be injured.

Emergency personnel rushed to the area, and the street was quickly sealed off.

“I saw it go off and smoke billowed up. Everyone just stopped and hunched down,” said Pam Ledtke, 51, from Indianapolis, who was about 75 yards from the finish line when the explosions went off. “They didn’t know what to do,” Ledtke said.

“All of a sudden, people were screaming,” Ledtke added.

The explosions occurred shortly before 3 p.m. near the intersection of Boylston and Exeter streets. Local media reports said store fronts were blown out.

Many of the injured appeared to be spectators who were watching the race. About half of the nearly 27,000 participants had reportedly finished the race when the blasts occurred. The racers came from at least 56 countries and territories.

“I saw two explosions,” reported Boston Herald journalist Chris Cassidy, who was running in the marathon. “The first one was beyond the finish line. I heard a loud bang and I saw smoke rising.” The blast “looked like it was in a trash can or something,” he said. “There are at least a dozen that seem to be injured in some way.”

Police established a crime scene around the Prudential Center, which is near the finish line. The blast apparently occurred about 300 yards from the finish line.

Source: Explosions kill at least 2 at Boston Marathon; dozens injured - The Washington Post