Posted on 03/23/2006 8:14:58 PM PST by Flavius
TERRIFIED survivors of the July 7 bombings in London last year sat in dark carriages for up to an hour desperate for help as bureaucracy stopped the emergency services from getting to them because of fears of a second explosion.
The 11 survivors told the July 7 Review Committee in London how they thought they were going to die in a fire or be consumed by smoke and toxic fumes. The bombings killed 56 people, including the bombers.
Many of the walking wounded were left to make their own way to hospital, in complete shock. Hospital staff were not aware that there had been a bomb and still thought that there had been a power surge on the Tube system.
Michael, a victim of the Aldgate bombing, had blood pouring from several wounds and could not see out of one eye, but was able, with others, to walk along the tracks to Aldgate station. When he got there he found groups of firemen standing around.
“I asked the firemen why they were not down there — there were people dying down there — and they would not look at me but looked at each other . . . I said, ‘Can you tell your senior officers there are people dying down there — they need your help’.
He said that he met a fire officer at a memorial service who told him that they were worried about a second explosion. “The protocol, being worried about the second explosion, stopped them from going down. This is not a criticism of the emergency services but I ask them to look at protocols.”
Kristina, who was on the King’s Cross train, told the committee: “There was no communication from anyone, no assistance. We had no idea how or if we would get out or when people would come to get us.”
Joe, whose wife was terribly injured on the same train, said: “My sad conclusion about the emergency plan and the extent it worked is that it only worked because of the brave decisions and actions and initiative of individuals on the day.”
He said that police officers defied protocol to enter the tunnels despite being told that there may be a second bomb.
Paul Dadge, famously pictured helping a woman in a burns mask to safety from the Edgware Road bombing, said that 25 minutes after the bomb there was no emergency vehicle outside the station apart from 12 firefighters.
Mr Dadge said that he took control and made a nearby Marks & Spencer the rendezvous point for the injured and the emergency services, but there were not enough medical supplies, despite an ambulanceman passing a message that there were 1,000 casualties.
if this happens, people better learn to organize their own evacuation
where is this thought, no where
Exactly.
Dead rescuers help no one.
I don't see the fault in this, it is pretty common knowledge that terrorist usually plant a second bomb to take out the rescuers.
Rest assured that the statist FReepers will come along and say democracies need more government cameras monitoring the streets so we would know where to look for additional bombs...
~ Blue Jays ~
There are worse things than dying.
I won't fault the British rescue workers for doing the prudent thing, but just think of the firemen and the other rescue teams on 9/11. Those brave men who gave their lives to save others at the WTC will always be remembered. I pray that God has rewarded them in the next life for their selfless love and courage.
Hear, hear! Can't help but contrast this report with the actions of NYFD pesonnel on 9/11.
Sorry - personnel, with an "r."
Evidently, live ones don't either. Blackbird.
Chicken shit should not be in positions that must render help. This is just like the situation where kids died at Columbine High School because the cops were too chicken to enter. The perps had been dead for three hours.
People with your temperament should not try to engage in civilized conversation.
Check out the DU, they would be glad have you over there.
I'm stating facts. It is quite true that the "help" stayed outside at Columbine while students bled to death. Same situation as in the subway tunnels, evidently.
It is entirely true that people should not rely on the government to help. They are not chartered to do so. If this sort of reality "puts you off", you should seek a New Age site where you can feel good all of the time. Here we discuss the news as we "see it". The government does look quite lame much of the time. By voicing dissent, maybe those who are in responsible positions will be spured on to lead with vigor. If you are happy with lame government agencies, by all means, remain silent. I will not.
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