Explosions rocked the Boston Marathon today, killing two people and wounding more than 140.
The series of explosions erupted near the finish line, sending the area into chaos. The Boston Police Department confirmed that they were looking into an explosion, but had no further comment according to a report by the NY Times.
UPDATE: ABout 10 amputations have been reportedly made as a result of injuries sustained, according to CNN.
Media reports also state that one of the two fatalities was an 8-year-old boy, and the other a woman who had just purchased candy at a shop next door to the bomb.
Many of the wounded are being treated for lodged ball-bearings, and multiple wounds, the ball bearings apparently used in the making of the explosive devices. A person of interest who has been admitted to the hospital, is a Saudi national, but that person is not under arrest.
Seventeen people of those hospitalized are in critical condition (UPDATE 8:47 PM).
In addition, reports being made that two knapsacks were left in these locations. No word so far on who or why they were left. The bombs themselves went off within 12 seconds of each other. Two other devices were found in the area and were dismantled by authorities.
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 A.P. 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.
The headquarters for the organizers of the marathon, one of the world’s oldest, was reportedly locked down while authorities investigate. Reporters inside the Copley Plaza Hotel, where the media center is and where many elite athletes are staying, were unable to leave.
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