On the ground in Boston
As more details of the Boston Marathon explosions continue to emerge, many have taken to Twitter to spread information rapidly and extend their sympathies to victims.
The official Twitter account for the Boston Marathon was quick to give an update on the situation and provide instructions for the public:
"There were two bombs that exploded near the finish line in today's Boston Marathon. We are working with law enforcement to understand what exactly has happened."
"The Family Meeting Area has been moved to Boston Common. Runners are being directed there to meet friends and family. City of Boston assets have been deployed to assist runners at the Common.
The Boston Marathon Twitter account also advised that the Post-Race Party that was scheduled for the evening had been cancelled.
US reporter Jackie Bruno was at the scene and says she and her cameraman felt the force of the explosion:
"I saw people's legs blown off. Horrific. Two explosions. Runners were coming in and saw unspeakable horror", tweeted Bruno.
"Cook I talked to says he tied his apron around a woman's severed leg."
Boston Globe reporter Steve Silva was also on the scene:
"Blood everywhere, victims carried out on stretchers. I saw someone lose their leg, people are crying."
"The explosions took place about three times after the end of the marathon."
KSAT News was among the first to report on unconfirmed reports of fatalities:
"Trauma nurse with Mass. General Hosp. says there are possibly two fatalities and some victims with severed limbs." - @KSATnews
Amid all the speculation, senior foreign correspondent Lisa Millar reiterated there was little confirmation of what had actually occured:
"Only thing confirmed at the moment re Boston is that there were two loud explosions at finish line of marathon and the scene is chaotic." - @LisaMillar
The United Nations also addressed the explosions via their official Twitter spokesperson:
"#UNSG condemns #BostonMarathonblasts, says all the more appalling as they hit event that unites people." - @UN_Spokesperson
US President Barack Obama addressed the media to reiterate his intentions of finding those responsible for the attacks and ensuring they will be brought to justice.
"Michelle and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in the wake of this senseless loss." — President Barack Obama (@BarackObama)
"All Americans stand with the people of Boston."
In a show of community spirit, the Red Cross came out to thank those who had rushed to donate blood in the wake of the tragedy.
"Thanks to generosity of volunteer blood donors there is currently enough blood on the shelves to meet demand. #BostonMarathon" - American Red Cross (@RedCross)
Others took to Twitter to share their prayers with those affected by the explosions:
"My thoughts are with Boston. Thank you to the brave first responders who always run toward our greatest fears to save lives." - Arnold Schwarzenegger (@Schwarzenegger)
"Just seen the news, my thoughts are with the people of Boston x vb" - Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham)
"My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the city of Boston and all of those affected by this terrible incident." - Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake)
"Heartbreaking to hear Newtown families were in VIP section right by the Boston Marathon explosion." - @Abby Huntsman
"Prayers goes out to those involved/hurt in #BostonMarathon. WTF is wrong with people man. Just sad" shared NBA star LeBron James (@KingJames).
Journalist Eric Twardzik caused a mini meltdown on Twitter after tweeting a picture of a man being handcuffed in the nearby area.
"Man on Boston common has been handcuffed. Police shouting at people to clear the area." - Eric Twardzik (@Eric_Twardzik)
He was later forced to reiterate that it was an unrelated arrest after the Boston Police Department confirmed no suspects had been arrested.
"BPD says there is no bombing suspect in custody - man in common seems unrelated to the bombings."
