Posted on 07/07/2005 5:10:28 AM PDT by conservativecorner
Multiple explosions on the London Underground and on at least one bus have killed two and left dozens with “terrible injuries” in what prime minister Tony Blair said was a co-ordinated terrorist attack timed to coincide with the G8 summit.
Mr Blair, speaking in Gleneagles, described the attack as “barbaric” but said the summit would continue. The prime minister is flying to the capital for a full briefing but will return to Scotland this evening.
“It’s reasonably clear there has been a series of terrorist attacks in London. Obviously there are casualties - both people who have died and people who are seriously injured,” he said.
Police said there were at least two deaths and up to 185 casualties. The first of the explosions was reported at 8.49am at Aldgate East tube station. Six other incidents were reported at Edgware Road station, King’s Cross, Old Street, Moorgate, Russell Square and Leicester Square.
Main points
- Two killed and up to 185 injured
- At least four explosions confirmed
- Underground and bus services suspended across the capital
- Shares on FTSE 100 fall 2.8 per cent
- Blair to return to London but G8 summit will continue
The Metropolitan Police also confirmed there had been an explosion on at least one bus in Tavistock Square minutes after the blasts on the Underground.
“I saw lots of people running up a road and then saw the top of a bus destroyed,” an eyewitness told Sky News.
Early suggestions that the explosions may have been caused by an accidental surge in the electricity quickly gave way to evidence pointing to deliberate sabotage, amounting to the most serious terrorist attack in Europe since the attacks on the Madrid railway system in March last year.
Passengers spoke of hearing a “huge thud’’at Edgware Road station and travellers emerged from tunnels covered in blood and soot and with torn clothing.
An eyewitness at Aldgate East, where the two fatalities occured, saw smoke rising from the station and commuters with facial injuries and burns leaving as the area was evacuated. Police officers at the scene said there was evidence of an explosive device 200 metres down the track from the station.
The explosions shattered the euphoria generated by London’s successful bid for the Olympics and the renewed sense of national self-confidence.
Shares on the FTSE 100 fell 2.8 per cent - the biggest single day fall since the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US - and the stock exchange eased rules on marketmakers after several trading floors were evacuated.
Across Europe, equity markets tumbled, while in the US, futures trade suggested the Dow Jones Industrial Average could fall by as much as 200 points at the Wall Street open.
The explosion, during the peak rush hour, caused massive disruption for commuters. Streets around the capital were packed with people attempting to find other ways of getting to work and mobile networks were jammed as people attempted to call their families and colleagues. The Underground network normally handles more than 3m passenger journeys a day.
Mr Blair said the leaders of the G8 had all expressed their shock and sympathy over the attacks and would continue with their agenda of addressing African debt and global warming.
“It is important, however, that those engaged in terrorism realise that our determination to defend our values and our way of life is greater than their determination to cause death and destruction to innocent people in a desire impose extremism on the world,” he said.
Reporting by Jimmy Burns, Matthew Jones, Christopher Adams, Bob Sherwood and James Mawson
I was just browsing at DU.
And (no kidding) they are speculating that Bush is behind the terrorist attacks to distract from Rove and the Downing Street Memo.
Only two dead! But two's too many. Where on the DD bus was the bomb placed?
They can say what they want we all know they are NUTS! BUT as a conservative Republican I am saying it will be Bush's fault IF HE doesnt understand now the IMPORTANCE of PROTECTING OUR BORDERS! Of stopping the ILLEGALS from flooding in, yes than if we are attacked again it is his fault. He is refusing to take this problem seriously. So who's fault will it be? He isnt protecting our borders period!
[sarcasim on] Isn't it awfully intolerant to call them terrorists? Since they are only doing the work of Allah must we not accept them? [/scarcism off]
How many muslims normally can be expected on these major transportation hubs on a given day?
Was there a notable absence today of middle easterners?
The guys that did this are probably all back at the Mosque drinking tea and slapping each other on the back.
So ends the debate on weather we should pull our troops out of Iraq.
Probably not; these types will cap other Muslims pretty casually.
Volt, at first I thought that this post was written by Dick Durbin. Then I saw the sarc on/off labels.......
Complete bunch of imbeciles. How can that many people suffer from delusions?
My Niece and her friend, flew out of London Yesterday, after being there for two weeks. This is really scary.
Prayers for your family!
Thank you Cobol...but My Niece and friend left Yesterday morning from London..so prayers are answered for us.
http://www.spektorusa.com/september11victims/COUNTRY_CITIZENSHIP.htm Country list of victims.
Maybe, maybe not. There was a notable absence of middle easterners downtown NY on 9/11.
" . . . speculating that Bush is behind the terrorist attacks . . . "
Oh, Good Lord. Those freaks over there have blinders on.
Call 1-800-Serbia for fast results on eradicating the problem, all work guaranteed.
15% NATO bombing surcharge waived if you call right away.
I'm not so sure this will turn out to be Muslims. It really wasn't very well planned because the fatalities are, thankfully, low. Contrast this event with 911 and Madrid--this event is amateur hour.
It may turn out to be granolas protesting the G8 or meanness to kittens or some other such nonsense.
Or somebody's PO'd London got the Olympics. The timing is suspicious.
Fortunately, those are the same types who fall for the "Democrats vote on Wednesday" pranks.
You are correct of course..none of us know for sure as of yet who did this. [scarcasm on] But it's still intolerant to call them terrorists..after all they have not been given a legal defense at great cost to the taxpayer..they are innocent until proven guilty. It would be more tolerant to refer to them 'disaffected parties of interest who had a poor upbringing' [scarasm off].
Right you are :)
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