Posted by Phillipa on April 15, 2013, at 18:20:54 [reposted on April 16, 2013, at 1:12:51 | original URL]
News Alerts > Medscape Medical News2 Dead, Scores Injured in Boston Marathon Explosions
Deborah Flapan
DisclosuresApr 15, 2013
Two people have died and dozens of people were injured in twin blasts near the finish line of the Boston Marathon today. The incident took place about 4 hours after the men's race start.
The 2 explosions were nearly simultaneous and about 50 to 100 yards apart. "All victims have been removed from the scene," said Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis during a press conference at the Westin Hotel in Boston.
At least 100 people are being treated at area hospitals, he said.
The police have determined that there was a third incident at JFK Library about 4:30 PM. "This is very much an ongoing event," Davis said. Police are not sure if that third explosion is related to the others, but they are treating it that way, he said.
No injuries were reported from the explosion at JFK Library.
When asked to characterize whether the explosions were intentional, Davis declined to say definitively, but added, "based on what happened you can draw your own conclusions."
Another explosion in the area of Boylston Street near the end of the marathon was a controlled explosion, Davis said.
Photos and video from several media outlets soon after the twin explosions showed fire at street level and clouds of smoke in the air.
The Boston Globe's Twitter feed @BostonGlobe reported that "scores of people fell and were injured. Some could be seen to have lost limbs; others were unconscious."
Several metropolitan hospitals received wounded runners and spectators.
Information from Industry
Massachusetts General Hospital is treating 19 people, spokesperson Kristen Chadwick told Medscape Medical News. She declined to describe the injuries.
Tufts Medical Center is treating 9 people with blast-related injuries, media relations specialist Jeremy Lechan, told Medscape Medical News.
All off-duty police officers have been called in, according to @BostonGlobe.
Hundreds of people had been in the area, both runner and spectators, celebrating the end of the race.
Although there is much speculation on who is behind the blasts, there is no word yet on whether these were bombs or accidental explosions. Some observers note that today is Patriots' Day, and it is also the deadline for filing tax returns in the United States.
Robert Lowes and Sean Swint contributed to this report.
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