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2 explosions at finish of Boston Marathon — widespread injuries reported
2 explosions at finish of Boston Marathon — widespread injuries reported
Two explosions went off near the finish line of the Boston Marathon today as runners completed the race and thousands of people cheered them on. The blasts were described by race organizers as two bombs, and witnesses told NBC News that there were widespread injuries, some severe.
Television footage showed scenes of confusion, with streets littered with debris and blood, and paramedics carrying stretchers.
Bloody spectators were being carried to the medical tent that had been set up to care for fatigued runners. Police swim through competitors as they ran back toward the course.
A spokeswoman for Massachusetts General Hospital said four patients were being treated there. Neither race officials nor public officials could immediately estimate the number or degree of injuries.
A Boston police officer was wheeled from the course with a bleeding leg injury.
Photos show several people with lost limbs on the ground as bystanders and police try to stop the bleeding.
The area filled with smoke as runners were thrown to the ground. Rescue workers lunged to pull fencing, posters, wood shards and other debris off the injured as ambulances snaked into the area.
The media room and marathon headquarters were placed on lockdown.
Officials have not yet said whether it was a terrorist attack or and accidental event
So far up to 19 in area hospitals and 6 sever injury’s
Michael Vara
