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Northern Ireland runners tell of fears after Boston Marathon blasts Northern Ireland runners tell of fears after Boston Marathon blasts
(about 1 hour later)
Runners from Northern Ireland who took part in the Boston Marathon have expressed concern for fellow competitors after two explosions near the finish line.Runners from Northern Ireland who took part in the Boston Marathon have expressed concern for fellow competitors after two explosions near the finish line.
Three people have been killed and more than 100 injured in the blasts.Three people have been killed and more than 100 injured in the blasts.
The FBI described it as a "potential terrorist inquiry".The FBI described it as a "potential terrorist inquiry".
Newry man Sean Smith said he was worried about some of the people in his group who they still had not heard from. Former Ireland Correspondent of the Boston Globe, Kevin Cullen, said the father of a young boy who died in the blasts, had just finished the race.
"When he finished the race his young son left the sidewalk, he went on to Boylston Street and hugged his dad and then he went back on the sidewalk and his father went on to register his time," he said.
"The bomb exploded, the boy was killed, his mother was severely injured."
Mr Cullen said he knew a firefighter who picked up the dead boy's sister.
"My friend the firefighter picked the girl up and carried her to an ambulance," he added.
"He said that when he put her down he realised her leg was missing.
"He is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and he told me what he saw today was worse than anything he saw in a warzone."
Panic
Newry man Sean Smith was among those who took part in the marathon.
"I went with Sports Travel International, I was running the marathon for my local charity, the Southern Area Hospice," he said."I went with Sports Travel International, I was running the marathon for my local charity, the Southern Area Hospice," he said.
"There were 12 or 13 in our group and there are a few not in yet.
"I travelled on my own, but I met up with these people in the group and there are a few not back in. So we're pretty concerned about them and we're waiting to hear from them."
He added: "It's a wee bit chaotic at the minute to be quite honest, there's a lot of people quite worried about their loved ones."He added: "It's a wee bit chaotic at the minute to be quite honest, there's a lot of people quite worried about their loved ones."
Boston police said officers were working around the clock and all leave had been cancelled.Boston police said officers were working around the clock and all leave had been cancelled.
At least 17 people are critically wounded, officials said, and the injuries include several amputations.At least 17 people are critically wounded, officials said, and the injuries include several amputations.
Bangor man Stephen Purdy said he did not know there had been any explosions until he phoned his wife after completing the marathon.Bangor man Stephen Purdy said he did not know there had been any explosions until he phoned his wife after completing the marathon.
"I just went back to the hostel and got showered and changed and phoned my wife - she was in tears and my son answered," he said."I just went back to the hostel and got showered and changed and phoned my wife - she was in tears and my son answered," he said.
"She was just so glad to hear from me, she told me then there had been an explosion."She was just so glad to hear from me, she told me then there had been an explosion.
"So it is a bit of a shock.""So it is a bit of a shock."
Panic
In a televised address, President Barack Obama vowed to bring those behind the attack to justice.In a televised address, President Barack Obama vowed to bring those behind the attack to justice.
The first explosion came at about 14:50 local time (18:50 GMT) on the north side of Boylston Street, about two hours after the winners crossed the line.The first explosion came at about 14:50 local time (18:50 GMT) on the north side of Boylston Street, about two hours after the winners crossed the line.
There was initial confusion and panic. Some runners fell to the floor while police and bystanders ran to help those caught in the blast.There was initial confusion and panic. Some runners fell to the floor while police and bystanders ran to help those caught in the blast.
Then seconds later, a second explosion ripped into the crowd further away from the finishing line.Then seconds later, a second explosion ripped into the crowd further away from the finishing line.
TV footage showed bloodied runners and spectators being treated at the scene and the road strewn with debris. Rescuers tore down temporary fencing to reach the casualties.
Bloodied victims were initially rushed to a medical tent set up to care for fatigued runners.
Emergency services descended on the scene, which was quickly locked down.
Stragglers heading for the finish line were rerouted away from the smoking site of the blasts.
The annual Boston Marathon attracts a large field of runners and tens of thousands of spectators.
British police are reviewing security plans for Sunday's London Marathon, the next major international marathon, following events in Boston, but officials say the event will go ahead.British police are reviewing security plans for Sunday's London Marathon, the next major international marathon, following events in Boston, but officials say the event will go ahead.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said the Irish Consulate in Boston was in contact with the city's authorities to establish whether any Irish people have been injured in the explosions.The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said the Irish Consulate in Boston was in contact with the city's authorities to establish whether any Irish people have been injured in the explosions.
According to the official Boston Marathon website, 50 competitors listed Ireland as their country of residence, and 108 listed Ireland as their country of citizenship.According to the official Boston Marathon website, 50 competitors listed Ireland as their country of residence, and 108 listed Ireland as their country of citizenship.
The department has advised anyone who is concerned to contact them.The department has advised anyone who is concerned to contact them.
About 375 Britons were listed as taking part, but there has no been no confirmation of any British casualties.About 375 Britons were listed as taking part, but there has no been no confirmation of any British casualties.
You can hear more of the interviews with Northern Ireland runners on Good Morning Ulster on BBC Radio Ulster on Tuesday.You can hear more of the interviews with Northern Ireland runners on Good Morning Ulster on BBC Radio Ulster on Tuesday.