I was driving in to my internship this morning when I heard about the bombings in London. They said on the radio that the Underground was completely shut down because of the explosions, and also that a bus had been blown up. One woman who was riding the bus was quoted as saying there was a huge noise, and then she looked back to see the rest of the bus falling away.
This completely shocked and horrified me, enough that tears came to my eyes while I was trying to drive, and I speculated: Al Qaeda? Someone unhappy that London will be the site of the 2012 Summer Olympics? (The former is more logical, as it probably would have been too soon for the latter…)
Apparently there was no warning whatsoever; no demands were made beforehand. The attack, then, stands as its own “warning”, just like all the other terror attacks.
I am so fucking tired of the stupid fucking terrorists.
Here are some news articles:
Channel 4: London blasts: death toll rises to 37
CNN: Britain launches search for bombers
Three blasts took place in the city’s subway system and one more hit a double-decker bus, all at the height of rush hour. (Timeline)
Paddick said there were 700 to 900 people on each of the affected trains at the time.
Witnesses described the horror of seeing victims dying and with serious injuries. There were scenes of panic as power failed on crowded underground trains, and tunnels filled with smoke.
“We were all trapped like sardines waiting to die,” said Angelo Power. “I honestly thought I was going to die, as did everyone else.”
Yahoo: London attacks kill dozens as world leaders meet
People streamed out of underground stations covered in blood and soot. Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from stations across the capital, many in shock and with their clothes ripped to shreds, witnesses said.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone, speaking in Singapore where he had championed the capital’s Olympic bid, suggested suicide bombers may have been involved.
Also in Singapore, International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said: “I’m deeply saddened that this should happen at the heart of an Olympic city. Unfortunately there is no safe haven. No one can say their city is safe.”
Washington Post: Four London Blasts Kill 37, Injure 700
Four explosions rocked the London subway and tore open a packed double-decker bus during the morning rush hour Thursday, sending bloodied victims fleeing in the worst attack on London since World War II. At least 37 people were killed and more than 700 were wounded, according to the official count.
A clearly shaken Prime Minister Tony Blair called the coordinated attacks “barbaric” and said they were designed to coincide with the G-8 summit opening in Gleneagles, Scotland. They also came a day after London won the bid to host the 2012 Olympics. A group calling itself the Secret Organization of al-Qaida in Europe claimed responsibility.
BoingBoing has a photo and blog roundup.