At least 3 dead, more than 100 injured after explosions at Boston Marathon finish line
Updated: At least three people died Monday and dozens more were injured as two explosions went off, beginning around 3 p.m. eastern time, near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, before the remainder of the race was called off.
The Boston Globe reported that at least 144 people were being treated for blast injuries.
Those in the midst of the fray were dazed, frightened and tearful, many saying they had seen horrific wounds at the Patriots Day event, including limbs that were blown off, the Boston Herald reported. Other victims had limbs amputated as a result of their injuries.
One of the victims has been identified as 8-year-old Martin Richard of Dorchester, Mass., according to WCVB.
A no-fly zone was established for smaller planes over a limited area of the city near the bombed area, according to the Associated Press.
WCVB reported at one point that a law enforcement official told them that cellphone service was shut down to prevent any inadvertent detonations of explosives. But officials from Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel told the Associated Press that they had not received any such requests.
The motive for the attack is currently unknown. Martin Feely, who serves as a supervisory special agent at the FBI’s New York Bureau, said no one had even hinted of a possible attack in Boston Monday. The Boston Globe and other media have reports that authorities searched a residence and questioned a person of interest in the case. But on Tuesday, officials made clear there have been no arrests.
“We still do not know who did this or why,” President Barack Obama said at a press conference. “And people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all the facts. But make no mistake. We will get to the bottom of this … Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.”
As family members try to connect with loved ones who may have been in the vicinity, authorities are urging everyone who can to stay away and leave the area clear for first responders. Google set up a people finder for those seeking friends and loved ones.
ABC News, the New York Times and USA Today also have stories.
Boston.com producer Steve Silva was on the scene covering the race and shot the video below:
Last updated on April 16 at 9 a.m.
