Details Unfold After Deadly Explosions at Boston Marathon

Editor’s note: Warning, this story contains an image that some may find disturbing. Also, authorities have since dismissed earlier reports of a third device being detonated in a controlled manner.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 12:15 p.m. 4/15/13)

“We don’t yet have all the answers,” said President Barack Obama in a briefing this afternoon, but, he said, “we do know that multiple people have been wounded, some gravely, in explosions at the Boston Maraton.”

The comments came following deadly explosions reported at around 2:50 p.m. ET (8:50 a.m. HST) on Monday, April 15, near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

The president did not say whether or not explosions were terror-related, but said he has spoken to the FBI Director and the Secretary of Homeland Security, who indicated that they are mobilizing the appropriate resources to investigate and to respond.

“We still do not know who did this or why, and people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all of the facts; but, make no mistake, we will get to the bottom of this, and we will find out who did this,” said President Obama in the televised address.

“Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will feel the full weight of justice,” he said.

A scene from the Boston Marathon explosion. Photo courtesy of ASI Times.

(Posted: 11:34 a.m. 4/15/13)

At least three people are confirmed dead, and multiple people were reportedly injured during two successive explosions reported at around 2:50 p.m. ET (8:50 a.m. HST) at the Boston Marathon, authorities said.

Authorities also reported a third explosion occurred at the JFK Library some time after 3 p.m. ET (9 a.m. HST), according to details that surfaced in press conference following the incident. Boston police later issued an update saying “the JFK incident appears to be fire related.”

During the conference, Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said the first two explosions occurred 50 to 100 yards apart along Boylston Street on the route of the Boston Marathon, near the finish line.

Davis said those who were injured have been removed from the scene, and that officers have been sent to area hospitals to be in touch with family members and possible witnesses.

“We want to make sure that we completely stabilize the situation,” said Davis during his address.

Earlier today, the Boston Police twitter account had reported at least 23 injuries, but that number continues to rise according to various media reports.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick also spoke at the press conference in which he advised the public in the area to stay out of crowds and calmly make their way to homes or hotels, noting that “hotel security would be prioritized at the outset.”

Local authorities here in Hawai‘i have been issuing messages including thoughts an prayers via their personal social media accounts in the wake of the incidents.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa wrote a message on his Facebook page this morning saying, “Our prayers go out to those involved in the tragedy at the Boston Marathon this morning.”

Governor Neil Abercrombie also posted a message on his Facebook page saying, “Our thoughts go out to those in Boston.”

The marathon was underway when the incident occurred, and the area has since been closed off. Details continue to surface.