BBC Mini blog posts - Boston Marathon Explosions - Mon, Apr 15, 2013

(time stamps are five hours ahead of us)

2027: Two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon have left an unknown number of people injured.
2028: Video and photographs from Boston show a scene of confusion, with emergency services descending on the scene and bloodied spectators being taken to a medical tent.
2029: The incident reportedly came about three hours after the winners crossed the line.
AP news agency reported there was a loud explosion on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the bridge that marks the finish line. Another loud explosion could be heard a few seconds later.
2030: The Eastern Massachusetts branch of the Red Cross has set up a disaster response centre in the area.
RedCrossEasternMA The American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts tweets: Please check in with friends & family who were at the #BostonMarathon #BostonMarathon2013. Reconnect. Spread the word make sure ppl are safe
2031: Mike Mitchell of Vancouver, Canada, a runner who had finished the race told the Reuters news agency he was looking back at the finish line and saw a "massive explosion."
Smoke rose 50 feet (15 metres) in the air, he said.
2033: Mr Mitchell said people began running and screaming after hearing the noise.
"Everybody freaked out," he said.
2037: New York Police are deploying counter-terrorism police around Manhattan landmarks, reports say. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said police were stepping up security in response to the Boston blasts.
2040: Zara Bielkus, a 30-year-old spectator from Boston, tells AFP news agency she heard two explosions seconds apart. Police then locked down the area.
"When we heard them, everyone looked at each other and went very quiet, and within a minute police came," she says.
2041: One witness, Laura McLean tells AP: "There are people who are really, really bloody."
She was in the medical tent being treated for dehydration when she was pulled out to make room for victims of the explosions.
2042: CNN reports that four victims of the explosions are at emergency room at Massachusetts General Hospital.
2042:

Emergency services at the scene in Boston
2046: AP reports that competitors and race volunteers were crying as they fled the scene. Bloody spectators were being carried to the medical tent that had been set up to care for fatigued runners.
2047: Hundreds of thousands of spectators typically line the 26.2 mile (42.19 km) race course, with the heaviest crowds near the finish line.
2051: The blasts occurred more than five hours after the start of the race, at a time when most top athletes were off the course but slower amateur marathoners were still running.
2052: AP reports one witness, whose bib No. 17528 identified him as Frank Deruyter of North Carolina, as saying: "There are a lot of people down".
2052:

Emergency workers take one of the casualties away.
2052: A spokesman for the UK Foreign Office spokesman says: "We are aware of the incident and we are trying to gather information."
The Boston Marathon Marathon's official account tweets: There were two bombs that exploded near the finish line in today's Boston Marathon. We are working with law enforcement to understand what exactly has happened.
The Boston Globe tweets: "Update: 2 powerful explosions detonated in quick succession leaving at least dozens of people wounded, some of them with dismemberment"
William Hague UK Foreign Secretary tweets: Appalled by news of explosion at Boston marathon. My thoughts are with everyone affected by it and all those waiting for news
2055:

A Boston police officer clears the scene
2055:

A still image from a local NBC affiliate shows the aftermath of the explosion
2058: Reuters reports that President Barack Obama has been informed of the blasts and has directed his administration to provide assistance in the investigation.
2101: Boston authorities warn they will cause a controlled explosion in the next few minutes but release no further details.
2107:

Medical officials help the wounded at the site of the explosion
2112:BREAKING NEWS Boston Police Department: two dead, 23 injured in two explosions near the marathon finish line.
2110: Boston police have now raised the injured count to 23
2112:

Josh Cox tweets a photo from another view of the explosion
2113: London Marathon Chief Executive Nick Bitel expresses shock and sadness about the situation in Boston: "It is a very sad day for athletics and for our friends in marathon running.''
2114: A number of paralympic athletes had been participating in the race ahead of this weekend`s London Marathon. International Paralympic Committee press officer Craig Spence tells Press Association Sport: "At the time of speaking we have everyone accounted for."
2116: One runner, a Rhode Island state trooper, tells the Associated Press news agency he saw at least two dozen people with very serious injuries, including missing limbs.
2116: Parker Abdo tells the BBC: "Lots of my friends were at the finish line today. There's a frenzy as people are trying to call loved ones. The telephone lines are down close to the scene."
2117: The Secret Service have closed the pedestrian walkway in front of the White House in Washington DC. New York police have also announced heightened security.
2117: In London, a Metropolitan Police spokesman confirms police are working with London Marathon officials to review security plans for Sunday's race.
2118: Paula Radcliffe UK marathon runner tweets: Situation looks awful, thoughts with everyone. There are some very sick people out there, who would do something like this?
2119: About half of the 27,000 athletes registered to run in the marathon had finished the race when the blasts occurred. Other runners were blocked from completing the race as police cordoned off the area.
2120: The Federal Aviation Administration issues a temporary flight restriction over the area of explosion.
2121: David Abel Boston Globe reporter tweets: Fine. Reporting. I was 10 feet from explosion. Shaken up. But not a scratch. Worst thing I ever saw
2122:BREAKING NEWS Citing a US intelligence official, the Associated Press reports two more explosive devices have been found at the Boston Marathon and are being dismantled.
2124: CNN reports Massachusetts General Hospital is treating 19 injured people, and Tufts Medical Center is also taking care of some of the injured.
2126: Roupen Bastajian, a 35-year-old Rhode Island state trooper, had just finished the race and donned a heat blanket when he heard the first blast. "I started running toward the blast. And there were people all over the floor,'' he tells AP.
2126: Mr Bastajian adds: "We started grabbing tourniquets and started tying legs. A lot of people amputated... At least 25-30 people have at least one leg missing, or an ankle missing, or two legs missing.''
2127: NBC reports police have found "multiple explosive devices" in Boston, citing officials.
2127: Regarding Sunday's London Marathon, Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Julia Pendry says: "A security plan is in place for the London Marathon. We will be reviewing our security arrangements in partnership with London Marathon."
2129: US paralympian Tatyana McFadden, who won the women's wheelchair race, tweets: "I'm okay my family and teammates are okay. Please please pray for those who were running and got hit by the bomb. Pray 4 family's-friends."
2130: Cherie Falgoust was waiting for her husband, who was running the race. She tells AP: "I was expecting my husband any minute. 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."
2130: Local ABC reporter Liam Martin tweets: "Director of emergency services at Mass General describes injuries as "from a war zone"
2130:

A woman is comforted near a triage tent near the finish line
2131:

Here is another image of the aftermath of the explosions
2132: President Barack Obama has called Boston Mayor Tom Menino and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick to offer assistance.
2133: A White House official said Obama was notified of the incident about 15:00 EDT (19:00 GMT) and was briefed by homeland security adviser Lisa Monaco and other senior aides in the Oval Office.
2133: Boston's transport authority says it is closing some of the subway lines in the city.
2136:

An injured man is wheeled away from the scene
2137: Runners who had not finished the race were diverted straight down Commonwealth Avenue and into a family meeting area, according to an emergency plan that had been in place.
2138: The New York Times has produced this graphic showing the locations of the explosions, which it reports went off less than ten seconds apart.
2138: Vice-President Joe Biden was on a conference call with gun control activists when aides turned on television to see the news.
"Our prayers are with those in Boston," Mr Biden said.
2141: Cheryl Fiandaca Boston Police Department public information chief tweets: Boston Police looking for video of the finish line
2142: The BBC has collected photos from the aftermath of the Boston Marathon explosions this afternoon
2143: A witness wrapped in a Mylar blanket tells ABC News he saw "the garbage can explode"
2149: Mario Cacciottolo, BBC News, Boston says there was a carnival-like atmosphere in Boston's Washington Square as the race ended but the mood quickly changed as news of the explosion filtered through.
"The crowds have dissipated fast and police are everywhere."
2152: Mario Cacciottolo, BBC News, Boston says: "The music turned off and the mood changed quickly. Every other person turned to their mobile phone to reassure loved ones, and while the sun continues to shine, the crowds have dissipated fast and police are everywhere."
2152: Ed Davis, Boston's commissioner of police, says the explosions occurred at 14:0 EDT. He says simultaneous explosions occurred 50-100 yards apart. All casualties have been removed from the scene he says.
2152: Mario Cacciottolo adds: "Small groups of runners and their supporters are huddling together, pooling information and trying to find out just what has happened."
2153: The marathon attracts huge numbers of spectators and this year's race had about 25,000 registered runners, with about 374 from the UK.
2154: Pictures on Twitter show casualties lying on the pavement on Boylston Street and debris blowing around them. Another photograph appeared to show participants running down the street at the moment an explosion created a fireball.
2156: US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says she is directing her agency to provide "whatever assistance" is necessary in the wake of the explosions.
2157:

Ambulances line the streets in Boston
2158: Boston officials say there has been a "third incident" at the JFK Library but are not sure if it is related to the two other explosions.
2159: "Bags and parcels" left behind by evacuating runners are all being treated as "possible incendiary devices", Boston police say.
2200: Ed Davis, Boston's commissioner of police, adds: "People should be calm but understand that this is an ongoing event and we need all the information available to us."
2201: The FBI and other federal agencies are aiding in the investigations, officials say.
2202: Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick says: "We are asking that people stay out of crowds and calmly make their way home or to a hotel."
2202: There had been no warnings or intelligence suggesting this might happen before the race, Mr Davis says.
2202: On the possibly the explosions were a terrorist attack, Mr Davis says: "You can draw your own conclusion."
2203:

Police Commissioner Ed Davis says the next briefing will take place in two hours' time.
2204: The Boston Bruins hockey game against the Ottawa Senators has been cancelled, the Boston Globe reports.
2204: JFK Library tweets: Fire in building is out, appears to have started in the mechanical room of new building. All staff and visitors are accounted for and safe.
2204: A law enforcement official tells the Associated Press news agency that mobile phone service has been shut down in the Boston area to prevent remote detonation of explosives.
2205: The annual 26.2-mile (42km) marathon takes place on Patriot's Day, a state holiday commemorating the evacuation of Boston by the British during the American Revolution.
2206: Boris Johnson Mayor of London tweets: Shocked by events at the Boston Marathon - my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families tonight.
2207: NBC Sports Network tweets: Reports of Marathon Runners that crossed finish line and continued to run to Mass General Hospital to give blood to victims
2208: If you are just joining our live coverage, here is what we know so far: Two suspected bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon shortly before 15:00 EDT (20:00 GMT)
2209: Police report that at least two people were killed and 23 injured in the blasts. Pictures show a number of serious injuries, including dismemberment.
2210: Josh Cox, an elite runner and commentator for Universal Sports, tells the BBC: "There were bodies, people laying on the ground. Some runners who had just finished who had just gotten by it were crying, understandably. It's tragic, absolutely tragic. "
2211: Mr Cox adds: "It was a massive boom. We were looking back that way because everyone is finishing. When the first explosion went, the whole ground shook. I didn't think bomb, you think there was a transformer, or generator - I took a picture. Right as I took the picture, the next one went off. Once the second one came, everyone was freaking out. Everyone was clearing the area."
2211: Ed Miliband Labour leader tweets: Appalling news from Boston. All of my thoughts are with the casualties and their families.
2212: Boston's police commissioner has asked anyone with information about the blasts to contact authorities. Area buildings and hotels have been evacuated and officials are investigating a third incident at the JFK library.
2212: Police in New York City and Washington DC have stepped up security in response to the explosions.
2213: Mr Cox, the elite runner and sport analyst, says about a half a million people lined the race course. "The majority make it to the finish line to see their friends finish. You can barely walk on Boylston [Street]. It's shoulder to shoulder. You really can't move. "
2214: Massachusetts General Hospital reports that of the 22 injured that it is treating, six are in critical condition and five are in serious condition.
2215:

A still from NBC which shows the explosion at the finish line.
2216: The Boston Globe's video team has film of the moment of the explosion.
2219: Boston's Logan Airport has announced a full ground stop - no flights in or out - as of 30 minutes ago.
2220: The Boston Globe reports more than 100 people have been treated at hospitals in the Boston area.
2221: Here is our story on the security review for Sunday's London Marathon. The Metropolitan Police have said the blasts would not affect security for Baroness Thatcher's funeral in central London on Wednesday.
2221: Google has created a Boston Marathon Explosion person finder.
2223: Witness Fatma Tanis was a few hundred feet away from the explosion. She tells the BBC: "We saw like a fireball and smoke just coming out of the air and later on the second explosion was heard as well."
2224: Ms Tanis continues: "People were panicked. A lot of people were crying, they were looking for the runners that they were waiting to come in through the finish line as well as family. That's when I thought it had become really serious because a lot of people started running away from the scene and they were crying and had cuts on their faces."
2225:

Runners talk to police officers near Kenmore Square
2227: Gordon Corera Security correspondent, BBC News tweets: I'd be cautious about rushing to conclusion that this was al-Qaeda related. Domestic extremist terrorism also possible.
2227: Gordon Corera Security correspondent, BBC News tweets: People rushed to judgment about al-Qaeda links in past after attacks. For instance Oslo and not always right. Domestic extremism possible
2228: Humberto Villalon, who was at a restaurant two blocks from the site of the blasts, tells the BBC he first saw the news on television with a friend who had just finished the marathon. "Everyone stopped eating and they started to contact relatives," he said.
2229: Mr Villalon continues: "We walked to the station right across the street, we took the commuter train. There were a lot of people trying to get out. We saw a couple of runners that were waiting for someone, and they were really shocked."
2230: Cheryl Fiandaca Boston Police Department head of public information tweets: Update JFK incident appears to be fire related
2231:

President Barack Obama is briefed over the telephone by FBI Director Robert Mueller on the explosions at the Boston Marathon
2236: Witness Tim Davey tells the Associated Press: "They just started bringing people in with no limbs." He said he and his wife Lisa tried to shield their children's eyes from the gruesome scene.
2237: Tim Davey's wife Lisa adds: "They just kept filling up with more and more casualties. Most everybody was conscious. They were very dazed."
2238:

Runners gather near Kenmore Square after the suspected bombs exploded
2239: Tom Wood

emails the BBC: "I was at the finish line of the marathon and the sidewalk was packed. If the bomb had gone off at 12:30pm instead of 3pm it would have been significantly more devastating."
2240: Boston's Mayor Tom Menino has arranged a telephone hotline for worried friends and relatives: +1-617-635-4500.
2241: Anyone with information about the explosions should call +1-800-494-TIPS. Also, the American Red Cross and Google offer resources to help find information on those in Boston.
2242: The explosions in Boston feature in Tuesday's British newspapers. Here is the Daily Telegraph's front page.
2242: Peter Westmacott UK ambassador to the US tweets: Awful news of explosions in Boston. Thoughts are with those injured or killed, and their families. Our team in touch with MA authorities.
2244:

The BBC's Mario Cacciottolo sends this picture of the final stages of the marathon route - now deserted.
2246: US President Barack Obama is to address the US at 18:00 ET (23:00 GMT).
2247: Reuters editor Clare Richardson tweets a photo of New York's Times Square this afternoon
2248: House Speaker John Boehner is scheduled to lead a moment of silence on the floor of the House of Representatives at 18:30 EST (23:30 GMT).
2249: President Obama is now due to speak at 18:10 EDT (23:10 BST).
2250: jmicklish, Boston tweets: A surgeon just walked by me - bloodied. One if the most intense moments of my life. @ Back Bay Station
2250: British runner Stuart Singer tells the BBC one explosion occurred near the family 'meet and greet' area.
2251: Here are eyewitness accounts of the aftermath from the scene.
2256: Taylor Dobbs, a journalism student in Boston, told the BBC he heard there were two very loud booming sounds "and I ran out on to my back porch to see if there was anything going on".
2257: StoryOfStyle1, Boston tweets: My heart is broken. I can't believe how real this is. #prayforboston
2257: Billy Baker, reporter for the Boston Globe tweets: If you see a runner, ask if you can help. Temp is dropping and a lot of out-of-towners have nowhere to go.
2259: Mario Cacciottolo

reports a TV was set up in this garden and people sat watching in silence. Kids were glued to the news and comforted by a woman.
2300: Devin Cole, Boston tweets: Per @billy_baker's tweet, anyone needing a place to stay tonight, @snoboston and I have space.
2301: UK Consulate in Boston tweets: For all British Nationals in need of emergency Consular assistance, please call the Global Response Center at +1 877 854 6872.
2301: Police Commissioner Ed Davis says the area around the finish line will be closed for 24 hours while police investigate. He adds that reports police have a suspect in custody are inaccurate.
2302: JordanSlade87, Boston tweets: Sitting in my hotel on Boston, sick to my stomach watching CNN, especially knowing everything on tv is 100 feet from my hotel.
2305: Christian Uribe, Boston tweets: Ambulance lane in Clairedon and Columbus waiting in case they are needed.
2306: Kelli_H, Boston tweets: RT @FBNStossel: If you're in Boston and can donate blood, here are the locations: http://t.co/ke15bofgGd #BostonMarathon
2311: RobbieKutos, Boston tweets: I'm at a friend's place near there.. not moving from here. It's chaos.
2312: President Barack Obama is now speaking live: "The American people will send a prayer to Boston tonight."
2312: Mr Obama says the FBI and homeland security department are mobilising efforts to investigate the explosions.
2313: "We still do not know who did this or why - people should not jump to conclusions. We'll find out who did this and why they did it," Mr Obama says.
2315: Officials with mobile telephone carriers Verizon and Sprint said they had received no requests from authorities to shut down service in the Boston area, contradicting earlier reports.
"Minus some mild call blocking on our Boston network due to increased traffic, our service is operating normally," Sprint spokeswoman Crystal Davis told the Associated Press.
2318:BREAKING NEWS President Barack Obama vows those responsible "will feel the full weight of justice"
2320: "Boston is a tough and resilient town," Mr Obama says. "So are its people... the American people will be with them every step of the way."
2324: Hayden Cardy, Boston emails: They happened two minutes after my mum finished the race. We were right by the finishing line when the explosions happened. The explosions happened just 100 yards away from where I was standing. We managed to get the shuttle bus and are back at our hotel, still very shaken.
2327: If you are just joining our live coverage, US authorities are investigating two bombs that exploded near the Boston Marathon finish line. At least two people are dead and dozens are reported wounded. It is unclear who is responsible.
2328: Patrick, Boston emails: I was right near the finish line, in front of a shop. I was playing on my phone when all of a sudden some noise rang like freaking thunder. The shop glass blew up and hit me in the face. It embedded itself in my cheek. It was like shrapnel. I've been to Afghanistan - it was like an IED went off.
2330: The blasts occurred shortly before 15:00 EST, hours after the winners crossed the finish line but before all 27,000 runners had finished the course. Witnesses report serious injuries including dismemberments.
2331: Police in New York and Washington DC have stepped up security in key areas.
2332: FBI and department of homeland security officials are joining Boston police in the inquiry. A third incident at the JFK Library is still being investigated but police have not described it as a third bomb.
2333: The Red Cross in Eastern Massachusetts tweets: "Due to the generosity of our donors we don't need blood at this time. Please schedule for a future donation."
2336: Mark Mardell North America Editor, BBC News In his televised address, Mr Obama did not use the word "terrorism". Perhaps this was merely caution, but given that he will face criticism for not using that word, it is certainly deliberate - and may be significant.
2338: Actor George Takei of Star Trek fame posts on Facebook: "When tragedies strike, heroes rise to meet the challenge: the first responders seen sprinting toward the blast site, the runners who changed course to run to local hospitals to donate blood, and the fine citizens of Boston who at once opened their homes to marathoners in need of a place to stay. When we come together, we cannot be brought down."
2339: Citing a White House official, the Reuters news agency reports the bombings will be treated as "an act of terror".
2344: WBUR, Boston's NPR News and Information Station tweets: In response to marathon explosions, over 1k people have made their homes available for those who need: http://wbur.fm/118a5YZ
2346: The BBC has created this map showing where in downtown Boston the blasts occurred

2347: A spokesperson for David Cameron quotes the British prime minister as saying: "The scenes from Boston are shocking and horrific - my thoughts are with all those who have been affected."
2351: Deadspin posts an Associated Press photo on Facebook of police stopping runners from continuing after the bombs exploded.
2354: Marathon veteran and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi tells the BBC: "I am always cautious, but this will definitely make runners and organisers have a different perspective."
0001: The Associated Press now reports more than 100 people were injured in the blasts. Two are reported killed.
0014: Gareth Knight from the Isle of Wight was in Boston for the marathon. He tells the BBC: "I went through the finish line 14 minutes before the first bomb went off. I was on my way to baggage reclaim to get changed. I hear the first blast, it sounded like a cannon shot. Five seconds later, I heard the second blast go off."
0021: Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York and president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, says in a statement that the Boston Marathon blasts "remind us all that evil exists and that life is fragile".
0021: Police react to the second explosion

0044: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard "Australians have awoken this morning to shocking and tragic scenes at the Boston Marathon. It will be some time before we know the full extent of what has occurred but these explosions have cast a long shadow over one of the world's great sporting events."
0045: "Australian Consulate-General in New York is making urgent enquiries to determine whether any Australian citizens may have been involved in this attack. At this time they are unaware of any Australian casualties."
0047: Boston police say they have found no further explosive devices.
0052: Police say they cannot estimate exactly how many people were injured in the explosions.
0055: Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick urges people to stay away from the bomb area: "We ask that most people make their way calmly home and, if they are visiting the city, back to their hotels."
0058: Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond "It is clear from the reports and horrific pictures from the scene that a number of people have lost their lives and many more have been injured in what can only be described as cowardly attacks on innocent people simply out enjoying the fun of a marathon on Patriots' Day."
0110: Marathons are among the toughest sport events to secure despite the diligent efforts of security officials, analysts say.
0116: A no-fly zone in the area will not affect commercial flights at Boston's Logan Airport, officials say.
0129: The Boston Globe reports that more than 100 people have been treated at hospitals.
0132: Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr extends his country's sympathies to the US in response to the blasts.
0140: Wall Street Journal on Twitter: Officials found what they believe are five additional, undetonated explosive devices in Boston area.
0147: Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick speaking at media conference now.
0148: Patrick: City of Boston is open but won't be business as usual - heightened security for public safety.
0150: More than 100 injured in explosions, some seriously, says governor.
0152: FBI taking lead in investigation into explosions - calling it a "potential" terrorist investigation. Official urges vigilance from the public.
0154: Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis tells media conference that at least three people have died.
0155: There is no suspect at this stage, says Commissioner Davis.
0158: From Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield who is tweeting from aboard the International Space Station. Tonight's Finale: A sombre Spring night in Boston. pic.twitter.com/eXiozObOKR
0159: Ed Davis: No further devices but there are reports of suspicious packages.
0205: Media conference at Boston's Westin Hotel has now ended.
0217: Our news story updates with the latest from that conference.
0227: Barack Obama says he has directed the federal government to increase security around the US as necessary after Boston explosions.
0233: And that concludes our live coverage of the Boston Marathon explosions for now.