By Jon Stroshine | Echo
Tragedy struck the annual Boston Marathon this afternoon, as two detonations during the race killed at least two and wounded many more.
The blasts occurred a little before 3 p.m. this afternoon, turning Boston's yearly Patriot's Day celebration into a nightmare and police investigation.
A fire also broke out at the nearby John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, although no one was injured, according to a Reuters report. It is not clear whether that explosion is connected to those at the race.
"The city is coordinating with each agency, including police, fire and EMS, and emergency management as well as with any state and federal agencies that might be involved," said Boston mayoral spokesman John Guilfoil according to a boston.com article. "We will provide more information to the public as soon as we can. Right now, the Boston Fire Department is urging people to stay away from the area during the investigation."
Reports vary as to how many were injured, as various news outlets reported anywhere from 20 to over 100.
The explosion occurred close to the race's finish line and about five hours after the start of the race.
It is not clear who is responsible for the blasts, although it appears the devices were planted and detonated. A police investigation is ongoing.
Andrea George, 39, was across the street at the time of the blast.
"We heard a noise and heard the glass shatter. My friend was right there, and I can't get in touch with them," George told boston.com. "I just started running. Everyone was running in different directions. It was the scariest thing I ever saw."
Boston celebrates Patriot's Day, a commemoration of the start of the Revolutionary War, on the third Monday of April every year with the marathon, among other events. (Watch the aftermath of the explosions that rocked Boylston Street during the Boston Marathon. Video by Steve Silva)
