BREAKING NEWS: Explosion Rocks Finish Line @ Boston Marathon

From Globe Correspondent Seth Lakso: Walking toward what was the finish line of the Boston Marathon just twenty minutes following the first two explosions, the streets were filled with racers and their families making their way away from Copley. Many of the people were in tears, or on their phones reassuring loved ones that they were safe.

The streets were completely empty and cordoned off surrounding Copley Plaza.

The medical tent was flanked by five ambulances facing down Huntington Ave. They loaded wounded two at a time, while medical personnel were unable to say for sure where the wounded were heading.

Inside the tent sections were cordoned off and labeled: “triage, triage II, and morgue.”

The section labeled morgue was blocked from view.

In the triage area closest to the ambulances, I could see half a dozen wounded runners. One woman had half her head wrapped in a bandage. Two others had large wraps over their legs.

“[There were] a lot of lower leg injuries,” said B.A.A. Head Nurse Jeanette Corsini. “Obviously some pretty horrific injuries.”

At least 25 patients were moved via ambulance by Corsini’s estimate. “I don’t know though because [the ambulances] were back and forth,” she said.

Corsini then commended the work of the medical staff and first responders.

“Everyone’s done a great job, obviously this was totally unexpected,” she said. “I think that people came together. Thank god Boston EMS was here. But I think everyone fell right into place and did what they needed to do. This isn’t something you prepare for.”

 

I think I saw that pic earlier of that dude in a wheelchair. and I dont remember his leg being off, or being that pale

 

People would be just as pissed if the President didn't speak to the nation.

America was a attacked. Shouldn't the President address that?

 

President Obama just addressed the nation from the White House press room:

The nation will remember Boston in their prayers tonight. Federal officials are mobilizing resources to help. I've notified leaders of both parties; they agree that on days like this, there are no political parties.

Police, firefighters, first responders, and the National Guard responded heroically. We salute all those who responded so quickly and professionally to this tragedy.

We still do not know who did this or why; we still don't have all the facts. We will get to the bottom of this. We will find who did this and we will find out why they did this. Any responsible people or groups will feel the full weight of justice.

Today is Patriots Day, a day that reflects the freedom Boston has celebrated throughout its history. Boston is a tough and resilient town; so are its people. I'm sure the people of Boston will pull together.

As we get more information, our teams will provide more briefings. We'll find out who did this, and we'll hold them accountable.

 

Boehner: flags over US Capitol to be lowered to half-staff out of respect for the victims of Boston Marathon tragedy