Injuries are reported in Boston where two explosions apparently occurred today in a spectator area near the finish line of the annual Boston Marathon. TV news footage showed a panic-stricken stampede after the blasts; at least four people have been hospitalized. Federal authorities are reported to be en route.
UPDATE: Fox News is reporting that at least three people were killed. Massachusetts General Hospital is reportedly treating four injuries. Officials are locking down the nearby Lenox Hotel. An employee there says he had to tie his apron around a woman’s severed limb. Multiple victims were seen bleeding, missing limbs.
ViralRead contributors are liveblogging the latest news below.
UPDATE II: CNN reports that Boston Police have confirmed that two people were killed and 23 injured by the explosion in Copley Square.
UPDATE III: Early headlines (via Memeorandum) highlight the confusion in the immediate aftermath of this incident:
12 dead, nearly 50 injured after
2 explosions rock Boston Marathon,
law enforcement sources confirm
- New York Post
Many Injured in Blasts Near End of Boston Marathon
- New York Times
Multiple casualties reported
after two explosions at Boston Marathon
- Fox News
The social media news site Twitchy quickly aggregated early reports from the scene. CNN says police sources have now updated the total casualties to two dead, 28 injured.
UPDATE IV: In a press conference, the Boston Police commissioner confirmed that the injuries were caused by two “explosive devices” - i.e., bombs — and that another blast occurred at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, which police are treating as a related event. CNN has now increased the reported number of those injured in the blasts to 49.
UPDATE V: Reports of another explosion at the JFK Library were inaccurate, CNN reports, citing police sources. Meanwhile, the number of reported injuries has increased to more than 100. Reports cited at a Boston Globe liveblog say that many of those treated at hospitals have undergone amputations. The Boston Globe also provided this video of the explosion:
UPDATE VI: Veteran blogger Glenn Reynolds cautions about early news accounts:
Based on past experience, at least half of what you’re hearing about Boston this afternoon will turn out to be wrong by tomorrow. And journalists/pundits: Try not to speculate in the absence of data. You don’t know anything either.
Reynolds links to other accounts.
UPDATE VII: Multiple news organizations are now reporting that one of those killed in the bombings was an 8-year-old child. The bombs inflicted severe injuries to those wounded, USA Today reports:
Bloodied spectators were carried to a medical tent intended for runners. Several of the injured had lost limbs, and at least one police officer was hurt.
“Somebody’s leg flew by my head. I gave my belt to stop the blood,” spectator John Ross told The Boston Herald.
Massachusetts General Hospital was treating 19 victims, spokeswoman Susan McGreevey said. Six were in surgery in critical condition, four of whom had their legs were cut off by the force of the explosion.
Tufts New England Medical Center had nine patients “and we’re expecting more,” said spokeswoman Julie Jette. Brigham and Women’s Hospital reporting they have 18 to 20 injured from the explosions, two critical.
UPDATE VIII: ABC News reports:
Police said that two people were killed. At least 99 were taken to hospitals with injuries, including some which have been described as amputations and severe burns.
Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis declined to say whether he thought the devices were acts of terrorism, but said, “You can reach your own conclusion based on what happened.” …
According to law enforcement sources, the first bomb exploded at the Marathon Sports running store, and blew out windows in four nearby buildings, injuring 15 to 20 individuals. The second blast occurred about 50 to 100 yards away, severely injuring more bystanders, Davis said. …
One witness described the scene as being like a “warzone,” while a doctor who was standing nearby said he immediately started treating people with severe leg injuries.
“Six or so people went down right away on my left, mostly with leg injuries. One gentleman had both legs below the knee blown off,” Dr. Allan Panter, a physician who witnessed the event, told ABC News
UPDATE IX: At a 7:30 p.m. press conference, Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said, “At least three people have died.” David also denied press reports that a suspect is in custody at a hospital.
Stunning First-Hand Account of Boston Marathon Bombing From Redditor 99trumpets:
http://www.reddit.com/r/running/comments/1cemo3/explosion_at_boston/c9ftn98
Witnesses watching #MSNBC confirm: Chris Matthews is a complete idiot.
— Robert Stacy McCain (@rsmccain) April 15, 2013
Flags over @uscapitol being lowered to half-staff out of respect for the victims of Boston Marathon tragedy j.mp/YqJ8zj
— Speaker John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) April 15, 2013
Join me in praying for those killed and injured in the Boston Marathon and JFK Library explosions.
— Cardinal Dolan (@CardinalDolan) April 15, 2013
POTUS: “Boston is a tough, resilent town…I’m confident Bostonians will pull together, move forward.”
— Emily Zanotti (@emzanotti) April 15, 2013
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT - #BOSTON VICTIM (PHOTO)cdn.theatlantic.com/static/infocus…
— Robert Stacy McCain (@rsmccain) April 15, 2013
#bostonblast As blast took place when it did rather than earlier it suggests pro runners were specifically not targeted #tcot #p2
— Peter Ingemi (@DaTechGuyblog) April 15, 2013
MARATHON: RT @wcbs880 Families looking for loved ones should call 617-635-4500. Anyone with info about explosions should call 1800-494-TIPS
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 15, 2013
Some of my dorm decorations mean a little more today. #PrayforBoston twitter.com/Timmy_Meads/st…
— Timothy Meads (@Timmy_Meads) April 15, 2013
Update JFK incident appears to be fire related #tweetfromthebeat via @cherylfiandaca
— Boston Police Dept. (@Boston_Police) April 15, 2013
Frightening Boston Globe video of explosion https://twitter.com/jimacostacnn/status/323906627730284546
Map of explosions via Washington Post.
Compassion in tragedy.
NBC reports many runners crossed the finish line and continued running to the hospital to donate blood. relm.ag/YLKEka
— RELEVANT Magazine (@RELEVANT) April 15, 2013
Photo: 2 hours later.
Boston hospitals report more than 100 being treated after Marathon explosions #BostonMarathon
— The Commentator (@TheCommentator) April 15, 2013
2nd Explosion
Mass. Gov. Patrick: We are asking that people stay out of crowds, make their way home - live video bit.ly/Zwsi1j
— Breaking News (@BreakingNews) April 15, 2013
Boston police: There has been a 3rd incident at JFK Library; not certain it’s related to marathon explosions - live video
— Breaking News (@BreakingNews) April 15, 2013
Just heard about Boston. Unbelievably sad. So horrific. What monsters.
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) April 15, 2013
If you’re in Boston and can donate blood, here are the locations: redcrossblood.org/MA
— Emmy Rossum (@emmyrossum) April 15, 2013
RT @martinepowers: One woman just ran to her husband, wrapped in a BAA blanket: “Oh my God. Oh my God. I was so scared,” she cries
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) April 15, 2013
RT @stackiii: Hard to see but windows of Starbucks and Forum blown out. http://Instagram.com/p/YIu-3DTIVl/
My thoughts and prayers go out to the runners, their families, and the City of Boston. Scott P. Brown
My thoughts and prayers go out to the runners, their families, and the City of Boston.
— Scott P. Brown (@ScottBrownMA) April 15, 2013
“…seconds after the explosions, you see hundreds of people running TOWARDS the carnage to help.Not away.” — Paul Kozlowski
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 15, 2013
BREAKING: CBS News quoting law enforcement official saying they have a surveillance photo of potential #BostonMarathon suspect. -@samsteinhp
— Aaron (- AAA -) (@AboveAverageA) April 15, 2013
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We will share more info here when we have it.
— City of Boston (@NotifyBoston) April 15, 2013
Police have an undetonated bomb — critical evidence — and a suspect on video carrying backpacks mins. prior to explosions
— Matt Vespa (@mVespa1) April 15, 2013
“Authorities have a identified a suspect, who is currently being guarded in a Boston hospital with shrapnel wounds. ”
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/two_explosions_at_boston_marathon_iMR0LCkcwASg0RQfVsH1yI
via
This is just horrible->NY Post is reporting 12 dead in Bostonnypost.com/p/news/nationa…
— Conservative Animal* (@ConserAnimal) April 15, 2013
Our hearts are heavy with the news out of Boston today. #PrayforBoston
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) April 15, 2013
Vine Video of Marathon Explosion:
From Imgur: “From where I’m sitting, Boston right now looks pretty normal. BUT. IT’S. NOT. Donate blood to the Red Cross, people. You’ll regenerate blood; victims can’t regenerate limbs.”
@jimacostacnn: RT @mviser “This is a horrific day in Boston,” Deval Patrick says. “My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured.”
The Red Cross has set up a website for Runners and Families to connect—>>> Redcross.org/safeandwell #BostonMarathon #PrayforBoston
— BiasedGirl (@BiasedGirl) April 15, 2013
Heads up Massachusetts: Mass General accepting walk-ins for blood donation tomorrow morning starting at 7AM bit.ly/11aZz4R
— AARP (@AARP) April 15, 2013
#prayforboston- STAY AWAY from JFK libary- DO NOT use any technical devices- if 18+ please donate blood- DO NOT use any subways
— #PrayForBoston (@whatsalarry) April 15, 2013
Kristof Blames Boston Attack on Senate GOP Blocking ATF Director shar.es/JtS69 via @benshapiro #bostonmaraton
— Becca Lower (@BeccaJLower) April 15, 2013
Vine Video of Explosions
BREAKING: Intelligence official: 2 more explosive devices found at Boston Marathon; being dismantled
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 15, 2013
WE DID IT! The power of social media! #PrayForBoston is trending! Keep it up! #BostonMarathon
— Daniel Bostic (@debostic) April 15, 2013
Runners have been stopped before the 26 mile mark #boston twitter.com/mVespa1/status…
— Matt Vespa (@mVespa1) April 15, 2013
Explosions around 4:10 mark - relatively late in the race - masters category, slower runners usually finishing around then. #bostonmarathon
— Crosscut (@Crosscut) April 15, 2013
White House going through proper protocols; Heighten security.
In wake of explosions in Boston.. New York and Washington DC at a heightened state of alert/security #PrayforBoston
— Victoria R Coley (@VictoriaRColey) April 15, 2013
RT @boston_police: Update 23 injuries2 dead #tweetfromthebeat via @cherylfiandaca
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) April 15, 2013
POLICE asking people on Social Media to tweet get out of the Boston Marathon area immediately. DO NOT STICK AROUND
— Diane Danielson (@DianeDanielson) April 15, 2013
Explosion footage:
CBS News reporting that there has been “no credible claim” of responsibility for the Boston marathon attacks.
— Ruby Cramer (@rubycramer) April 15, 2013
RT @bostondotcom: Officials: There will be a controlled explosion opposite the library within one minute as part of bomb squad activities.
— Philip Klein (@philipaklein) April 15, 2013
Officials: There will be a controlled explosion opposite the library within one minute as part of bomb squad activities.
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) April 15, 2013
Police officer near Boston Marathon finish line: ‘There are secondary devices that have been found and are unexploded.’
— Chris Faraone (@Fara1) April 15, 2013
WTH? RT @joebrooks: CNN’s Wolf Blitzer just speculated if anti-tax groups were behind the bombing WITH ZERO EVIDENCE
— Melissa Clouthier (@MelissaTweets) April 15, 2013
Ambulances have arrived on scene:
WOW!
Two explosions along @bostonmarathon route. Multiple severe injuries. Terrible. Horrific. twitter.com/JackieBrunoNEC…
— Jackie Bruno (@JackieBrunoNECN) April 15, 2013
New images coming in of the horrific results.
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013-boston-marathon-finish-line/
The Boston Marathon Live Cam
Purported video of second explosion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jMYObtjToU&feature=youtu.be
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