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Two explosions have been reported near the Boston Marathon finish line on Boylston Street as thousands of people gathered for the race, and there are reports of injuries.
At least two explosions were reported at the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday.
The blasts happened at about 2:50 p.m. near the intersection of Boylston and Exeter streets. Store fronts have been blown out, and there have been reports of dozens of injuries.
Witnesses said several victims lost limbs, the race was stopped and the area is being evacuated.
The first explosion happened across from the Lenox Hotel and the second blast was about 15 seconds later, witnesses said.
Many of the injured appeared to be spectators who gathered for the 117th running of the race.
Some of the injured were brought to a medical tent that was set up for the runners of the historic race.
"There are people who are really, really bloody," said Laura McLean, a runner from Toronto, who was in the medical tent. "They were pulling them into the medical tent."
Runners who had not finished the race were diverted down Commonwealth Avenue and into a family meeting area, according to an emergency plan that had been in place.
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It seems they were near the finish line. There are a lot of images at the moment that depict the bloodied sidewalks. The story is still being updated as it happens; The current source of the explosions is unknown It seems they are confirmed to be bombs, as they have found similar devices nearby.
EDIT: Some footage of the explosion itself: https://vine.co/v/bFdt5uwg6JZ
Second Edit: The attacks have been confirmed as bombing, though whether it was an attack or a domestic terrorist act are still unknown as of now.
Third Edit: Better quality video of the explosion from a closer perspective, courtesy of capper42: http://live.boston.com/Event/Live_blog_Explosion_in_Copley_Square/72926110
Also, Boston hotlines:
*Phone numbers for families/victims, or trying to find people: 617 635 4500
*Phone numbers for anybody who saw anything at the incident, or saw any suspicious activity: 1-800-494-TIPS (8477)
Updates:
Subway service around the area has been suspended.
New York is increasing it's security as a precaution.
D.C. is increasing it's security as a precaution, area surrounding the White House on lockdown.
Los Angeles is increasing it's security as a precaution.
San Francisco is increasing it's security as a precaution.
The Pentagon is increasing it's security as a precaution.
Massachusetts Nuclear plant is increasing it's security as a precaution.
Boston Globe confirm two dead, Over 100 injured, six in critical condition.
Reports of another device possibly at Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Third explosive found, disabled; fourth possibly found.
Bridges over Charles River shut down
Homeland Security ready to provide whatever assistance needed.
Cellphone service in Boston shutdown to avoid remotely detonating bombs
LaGuardia flights to Boston have been delayed.
President Obama expected to deliver a statement in roughly ten minutes. (6:10PM EST)
There are currently no suspects in the marathon explosions case.
Obama says that those responsible 'will feel the full weight of justice'