Explosions Rock Boston Marathon
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Three explosions rocked the finish line of the Boston Marathon at 2:50 p.m. with thousands of runners still on the course.
Authorities say the explosions on Boylston Street killed two three and injured at least 23 more than 100. Copley Square and the surrounding area have been shutdown and the FAA has limited the flight path over the area. The explosions occurred almost simultaneously and within a 100 yards of each other.
Some 17 Berkshire residents were scheduled to run in the 26.2-mile race today.
According to Facebook posts, Christina Barrett, director of marketing for Berkshire Community College, who was running and Christine Hoyt of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce are OK.
Barrett had passed the halfway mark at 02:17:39; Hank Art of Williamstown hit the halfway mark at 2:03, both likely sometime around 12:30 p.m. The race started in waves beginning at 9:17 a.m.; most racers left at 10:20 and 10:40 a.m.
The last racer reportedly crossed the line at 2:57 p.m.; no alternative ending, race canceled at that point.
David Wilson of Lanesborough, Elizabeth St. Clair of Williamstown, Matt Kinnaman of Lee and Sharon Kennedy of Lenox had all crossed the finish line before the blasts.
Also in the race are Tammy Charbonneau of Hinsdale; James Loring and Susan Shook of Lee; John Bosse, Josephine Ellis, Rebecca Hunter and David Milligan of Pittsfield; Mark Kinney of Stockbridge, and Christina Knapp and Eric White of Williamstown.
Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis said a third "incident" occurred at the JFK Library at about 4:30. No one was injured. While it is not known if the incident, an electrical fire, is connected to the explosions, it is being treated as if it is. No other devices have been found, he said, but there was a "controlled" explosion.
"This cowardly act will not be taken in stride; we will turn every rock over to find who is responsible for this," said Davis later in the day.
Marathon watchers dropped packages, pocketbooks and bags as they fled the scene. "Anything out there is being viewed as a suspicious device," said Davis, who warned there may be more "controlled" explosions.
To locate family members: 617-635-4500; if you have information: 800-494-TIPS.
Residents are being asked to stay home, tourists to keep to their hotels. The Boston Bruins game and the Bostony Symphony Orchestra have been canceled.
Boston.com is liveblogging the event here. Google also has set up a Person Finder for Boston.
According to MEMA: Mass Pike Exit 22 (Prudential Center / Copley Square) has been closed on the eastbound side and the Mass. Ave Bridge between Boston and Cambridge has been shut down.
· MBTA reports the following:
o Orange Line bypassing Downtown Crossing.
o Red Line bypassing Downtown Crossing and Park St.
o Green Line terminating service on the B and C lines and between Kenmore and Park St. stations.
Nearly 30,000 runners were entered in the marathon, one of the world's oldest, and tens of thousands were watching along the route. Today is also Patriots Day, to mark the Battle of Lexington and Concord, and many people were taking advantage of the three-day weekend.
Gov. Deval Patrick:
This is a horrific day in Boston. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured. I have been in touch with the President, Mayor Menino and our public safety leaders. Our focus is on making sure that the area around Copley Square is safe and secured. I am asking everyone to stay away from Copley Square and let the first responders do their jobs."
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