You’re all probably aware of the explosions that occurred near the finish line of the Boston Marathon this afternoon. I was made aware of it by my brother (volunteering at the marathon as an EMT this year, as both he and I have done in the past) who texted me to say, “I’m okay.” I feel for those out there still awaiting a message of their own to provide that same release of the fist clenched around your heart.
Because I live near the medical area, I can hear helicopters and ambulances whizzing by at high speed. That said, the number of choppers have gone down considerably, but I’m hearing a lot of road vehicles with sirens, though.
For now, here’s a brief list of sources to go to for reliable and quick info:
- For information about mass transit, check the MBTA’s status page.
- Follow the Boston Police Department Twitter account for up to the minute confirmations on facts as they happen.
- For a good source of local Boston news, follow Universal Hub’s Twitter account.
- To check on relatives or loved ones, or to register yourself as being safe and well, the Red Cross has a site for that very purpose.
- Boston CBS affiliate is providing regular updates, such as this one where it’s reported that there are two dead and several injured from today’s bombing.
- UPDATE: Google has created a site to find people during this tragic event with its Person Finder. Either put in who you’re looking for or give information you can about the location of someone in Boston at the time of the bombing.
- UPDATE: The city of Boston’s official website has created a live blog for updates in and around the city in response to the bombing.
The AP has reported there are more devices found by Boston police that are being or have been dismantled.
BREAKING: Intelligence official: 2 more explosive devices found at Boston Marathon; being dismantled
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 15, 2013
A user who goes by the name of Doug managed to catch a Vine video of the explosion as it happened.
Thankfully, the man seen falling in the video above is the same one in the image at the top of the article, showing that he is indeed okay. The image also shows how quickly the Boston police jumped into action.
Cell service in the area is becoming spotty. I have an AT&T MicroCell, so I should be okay when it boots up. If you’re in the area and have a femtocell (small, low-power cellular base station, typically designed for use in a home or small business) or other similar device, consider setting it up.
Please stay safe, and avoid the downtown Boston area. As of this writing, Green Line B and C service are shut, and all Green Line services from Kenmore to Park Street are closed. An FAA no-fly zone over the area has been set up as well.
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