At least three dead after explosions at Boston Marathon
Posted April 15, 2013 3:12 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BOSTON (NEWS1130) – Police have confirmed at least three people are dead after two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Authorities say the blasts injured at least 130.
Early reports suggest one of the dead could be an eight-year-old boy.
More than 2,000 Canadians were taking part in the marathon.
There was a fire at JFK library, but police say the incident is not related to the blasts at the marathon. Police Commissioner Edward Davis says the fire may have been caused by an incendiary device.
Bloody spectators were being carried to the medical tent that had been set up to care for fatigued runners. Police wove through competitors as they ran back toward the course.
Here’s a look at the finish line following two explosions that took place at the end of the Boston Marathon.Warning: May contain disturbing images.
Boston police say no suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
Police say it’s too early to get into specifics about the nature of devices or whether shrapnel was involved.
“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.
“There’s probably a dozen ambulances waiting to head into where that tent is located where the emergency vehicles are parked. Clearly, they are simply waiting for their turn to go in and pick up a patient. Once they do that, they leave,” describes ABC’s Chris Trenkmann from the scene.
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 explosion could be heard a few seconds later.
“It was terror,” describes Trenkmann. “People were really afraid; obviously, thoughts of some other terrorist acts came to people’s minds. Tears started to flow down the faces of some people as they ran away from the scene.”
“Shortly after that, fire trucks, police cars, flashing lights… you saw officers running towards the direction of Boylston Street, and obviously, people [were] very, very concerned.”
Attorney General Eric Holder has directed the full resources of the Justice Department be deployed to investigate the bombs.
A department official said Holder has spoken with FBI Director Robert Mueller and with Carmen Ortiz, the US attorney for Massachusetts. The official said Ortiz’s office was co-ordinating the department’s response with the FBI and other federal, state and local law enforcement authorities.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because she was not authorized to speak on the record.
The Secret Service says it has expanded its security perimeter at the White House following the explosions.
Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan says the measure was taken “out of an abundance of caution.” He says it is not unusual to expand or contract the security perimeters.
Shortly after the explosions Monday, Secret Service shut down Pennsylvania Avenue outside the White House, cordoning off the area with yellow police tape. Several Secret Service patrol cars also blocked off the entry points to the road.
The White House was not on lockdown and tourists and other onlookers were still able to be in the park across the street from the executive mansion.
President Obama reacts to the Boston Marathon explosions:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is offering his thoughts and prayers to the victims of the explosions that have devastated the Boston Marathon.
Harper says it’s a sad day when such an inspiring event is clouded by “such senseless violence.”
He says Canadians are standing with their American neighbours.
New Democrat Leader Tom Mulcair is also offering his condolences to the victims, their families and all Americans.
Contact information for concerned Canadians
If you’re worried about a loved one in Boston, you can call 1-800-387-3124 or email sos@international.gc.ca. Canadians in Boston who need emergency assistance can contact the Consulate General at 617-247-5100.
