Crime & Safety

Scores Injured by Explosion at Boston Marathon Finish Line

Hundreds reported injured, Copley Square area evacuated.

The original version of this article was written by Roberto Scalese and Liz Taurasi. Jessie Sawyer is updating the story with Avon-related information and posted this story.

Eight Avon residents were registered to run the Boston Marathon Monday and the race was still underway when there were two explosions near the Boston Marathon finish line.

The area of the finish line is now cordoned off as a crime scene, BackBay Patch reports. Buildings in the area were evacuated including the apartments at the Prudential. All businesses along Boylston Street are being evacuated and officials are urging everyone to avoid Copley Square. The Fairmount Copley Plaza Hotel is currently in lockdown. 

“This is a horrific day in Boston," Governor Deval Patrick said. "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.”

CBS Boston reported at about 6:36 p.m. that police were questioning “someone who may be related to the bombing." Shortly before that BackBay Patch posted that there were reports that Children's Hospital was in Code Black for a suspicious package.

Avon runners David W. Cowan, 50, Fernanda B. Jacobs, 45, Joel Lehman, 52, Kimberly A. Mancini, 41, Dickson Suit, 46, Matthew A. Trivella, 29, Sarah Wallace, 43, and Maddy Yopchick, 38, were all on the marathon entry list. 

Boston Police are reporting 22 injured, two dead, BackBay Patch posted late afternoon. Multiple outlets are reporting an eight-year-old boy died from injuries sustained during the explosions

A media briefing was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at the Westin Hotel.

There are multiple reports of victims with missing limbs, bloodied heads and other extremely serious injuries. WBZ-4 reported  at least a dozen victims with "grave injuries."

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency confirms there were explosions but has not released any further details. Public Safety blogger Alert New England reported that all ambulances in the area were diverted to the scene.

One eyewitness said she was right next to the Prudential Center when she said she heard two explosions.

"It was the loudest thing I've ever heard it stopped us in our tracks," said Marathon spectator Jennifer Curro.  

Boston EMS is set up triage on Boylston and thousands of police and emergency personnel are on scene. Anyone looking for a runner is being directed by Boston Police to go to Boston Common. WBZ-TV is reporting there was a fire at the John F. Kennedy Library just after the explosions. No word on if there is a connection to the explosions. 

President Barack Obama spoke during a press conference about the two explosions at the Boston Marathon finish line, BackBay Patch reported at 6:15 p.m. Monday. 

“The American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight,” Obama said Monday. “All Americans stand with the people of Boston. 

Obama said those who planted the explosives will face the “full weight of justice.”

“We still do not know who did this or why. People shouldn’t jump to conclusions until we have all the facts… We will find out who did this and we will hold them accountable.”

Several MBTA services are suspended following the explosion.

Witnesses near the explosion are being told to stay off their phones as they could trigger more bombs. 

Boston police Commissioner Ed Davis says during media briefing that a third incident occurred at the JFK library. Officials later ruled that it was not related to the finish line explosions. 

Boston police have worked to update the public through their Twitter account. Officers asked that anyone with video of the finish line to send it to the department.

People are being urged to stay home.

If they are in hotels they are being asked to say in their rooms. 

If you are trying to locate a family member call 617-635-4500.If anyone saw anything suspicious or knows any information they are asked to call 1-800-494-TIPS.

BackBay Patch is providing updates throughout the day in the aftermath of the explosions and you can read more about it by clicking on the link provided. 


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