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Boston: At least three people died and over 100 injured as serial blasts rocked the north-eastern city of Boston on Monday afternoon at 02:50 pm( EDT). While the first explosion took place three hours after winners had crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon, second bomb exploded several seconds later at the same venue.
A third explosion went off at JFK Library, which is at an approximate distance of five miles from the site of first two blasts. However, reports suggested that the third explosion was 'fire-related'.
Further, two more explosive devices were recovered from the Marathon venue, which were defused.
Six among those injured are believed to be in critical condition
7:58 pm EDT: Latest estimates peg the number of injured at 132.
7:20 pm EDT: The attacks are being investigated as terror attacks, FBI sources tell CNN.
6:37 pm EDT: 8-year old among the dead, reveal officials.
6:24 pm EDT: Boston Police says that third incident at JFK Library may not be related to twin bombings at the Marathon site.
6:14 pm EDT: Sniffer dogs rushed to the bombings site.
6:12 pm EDT: "Those behind the attacks will feel the weight of justice," Obama assures the nation as he ends his speech.
6:11 pm EDT: Obama: Don't know who did this but will get to bottom of the matter. Wrong to assume anything at this moment. Obama avoids using the word 'terror'.
6:10 pm EDT: President Obama addresses nation.
6:07 pm EDT: FBI sleuths rush to attacks' site.
6:06 pm EDT: FBI sources declare bombings as terror attacks.
5:50 pm EDT: Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has declared the bombings as 'terror attacks'.
Significantly, the explosions took place on a public holiday on account of Boston Marathon. Thousands of people are believed to have been present near the marathon site at time of blasts.
Boston police commissioner Ed Davis has confirmed the explosions and appealed to city residents to stay at home pending further orders.
"It's an ongoing event. We appeal to everyone to maintain calm. At present, we are not certain if the blasts are linked," said Davis.
Security officials, though, revealed that the explosions were a 'well-planned event'.
President Barack Obama has been notified about the explosions. As soon as information reached him, Obama telephoned Massachusetts Governor. Boston mayor and other officials to get an overview of the situation.
Following the blasts, US Federal Aviation imposed an immediate embargo on air traffic over the city. Though the ban was lifted later but the marathon site still remains a no-fly zone.
FBI sources told CNN that ' no known threat' to New York has been detected till now.
Security has been beefed in all major across the US. The serial explosions are first to have taken place on US soil since terror attacks of 9/11.
No group has claimed responsibility for the blasts yet.
Source: timesofindia
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