Two Explosions at B.A.A. Boston Marathon Finish Area

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***CANADIANS IN BOSTON Can use this toll free number to find info: 1 800 387 3124

More bombs found and dismantled since, here is a good source: http://livewire.wcvb.com/Event/117th_Running_of_Boston_Marathon

CNN Coverage: http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2013/04/15/explosions-near-finish-of-boston-marathon/?hpt=hp_t1

Two explosions happened near the four hour mark at the finish line of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon on Memorial Day, Monday, April 15th. Several reports indicate that the explosion came from the media tent area from garbage cans. Reports of anywhere from a handful to up to fifty people may have been injured. Emergency crews are on the scene. Four hours into the men's marathon means that there were still thousands of participants on the course.

The National Post report that at least two people are reported dead while 23 report injured. Meanwhile, The New York Post is reporting that 12 people were killed, with twice as many injured, while Fox News is reporting that police say three are dead, as spectators said they saw people being carried off with lost limbs.

Boston police said a third incident occurred at the city's JFK Library and was under investigation.

In a TV address, President Barack Obama said those responsible would feel the "full weight of justice".

"We don't yet have all the answers," he said. "We still do not know who did this or why."

Here is a report from NBC News with video of the explostion at this link. All major media outlets are covering this story.

The Associated Press reported that the authorities were helping injured runners leave the scene and bloody spectators were being carried to a medical tent that was being used for runners.

According to the National Post: One runner, a Rhode Island state trooper, said he saw at least two dozen people with very serious injuries, including missing limbs.

The A.P. said that a loud explosion was heard on the north side of Boylston Street, near a photo bridge that marks the finish line. Another explosion was heard several seconds later.

Local television showed ambulances at the scene. Pictures posted online showed several injured runners being attended to and smoke around the finish line.

Canadian, talking to the Chicago Tribune:

Mike Mitchell of Vancouver, Canada, a runner who had finished the race, said he was looking back at the finish line and saw a "massive explosion."

Smoke rose 50 feet (15 metres) in the air, Mitchell said. People began running and screaming after hearing the noise, Mitchell said.

"Everybody freaked out," Mitchell said.

Here is a good source: http://livewire.wcvb.com/Event/117th_Running_of_Boston_Marathon

The Vancouver Sun Run has issued this in regards to their upcoming 40,000-participant strong 10k:

STATEMENT FROM THE VANCOUVER SUN RUN

 

The Vancouver Sun Run offers our heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the explosions at today’s Boston Marathon.

In light of this terrible incident, we'd like to reassure our 2013 Sun Run participants and the community at large that a solid emergency preparedness plan is in place for the run and we are working closely with the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Police Department and the Vancouver Fire Department to do everything we can to secure the safety of everyone involved.

 

Statement from upcoming BMO Vancouver Marathon:

 
Please see the statement below on behalf of the BMO Vancouver Marathon and Executive Director, Charlene Krepiakevich.
 
We are saddened by the shocking news from the Boston Marathon today. On behalf of the Vancouver Marathon, our sympathies go out to the runners, families, friends and others affected by this tragic event.
 
With the BMO Vancouver Marathon just weeks away, the Vancouver International Marathon Society has worked extensively with City stakeholders, including police, fire, medical and others, to develop a solid emergency plan.  We want to reassure runners and our extended running community that safety and security are our top priorities.
 
Charlene Krepiakevich
Executive Director
Vancouver International Marathon Society
 
Please let me know if you are interested in an interview with Charlene today or tomorrow.
Please note, the BMO Vancouver takes place on Sunday, May 5.