Thursday, July 07, 2005
LONDON BLASTED
A sequence of explosions, initially thought to be the result of an electrical overload, has occurred on the London Underground. Other blasts, however, are reported on city buses. A witness to one bus explosion, in Russell Square, claimed to see at least five dead in the vehicle’s remains.
Latest television reports indicate six explosions. A witness to one of the train explosions, on ABC television now, says dead bodies were on the tracks as he and other passengers were evacuated. CNN reports two deaths; casualties are around 90. The BBC:
Large numbers of casualties have been reported after at least six explosions on the Underground network and a double-decker bus in London.
Scotland Yard confirmed one of several reports of explosions on buses in the city - in Tavistock Place - but said the cause was not yet known.
UK Home Secretary Charles Clarke said several explosions in central London had caused “terrible injuries”.
All Tube services and bus services in central London have been suspended.
Constant updates here. For emergency information on Australians based in London, call 1300 555 135.
UPDATE: Janes.com reports:
A government spokesman confirmed at 1100BST that 20 people have been killed in the explosions and more than 90 people were injured.
Seven blasts are now confirmed. Look for updates from these UK blogs. Please list others in comments. Tony Blair now speaking from the G8 forum; he says it is “reasonably clear” the blasts are the result of a terrorist attack. He’ll leave for London shortly.