Terror Attack, Manchester, UK – Multiple dead
Britain – The Bomb Squad was dispatched to the Manchester Arena after an explosion ripped through the crowded venue just after a concert for popular singer Ariane Grande. Police are treating the incident as a terror attack. As many as 19 fatalities and at least 50 injuries were reported, although Ariane herself was not harmed, as she had just stepped backstage when the explosion occurred.
“We were exiting the building when it happened. We’d headed towards the main doors as Ariana was performing the last song because we wanted to beat the crowds, but – as we made our way there – a wall of security men blocked it and told us to go the other way. Seconds later they shouted ‘RUN!’ and the explosion happened right behind them. Hundreds of people were running and screaming. Those men saved our lives.”
The Manchester venue was full of young people and their families, as Ariane is popular with teens. She had released pink balloons during her performance. The attendees were just leaving the concert when witnesses said they heard two loud explosions.
The BBC reported statements from witness Josh Elliott:
“A bang went off and everyone stopped and screamed… we basically hit the deck…It was bedlam… it was horrific…We got up when we thought it was safe and got out as quickly as possible…People were just crying and in tears… police cars were everywhere. We just wanted to get out as quickly as possible because we didn’t know what was going on.”
The explosions reportedly happened in the foyer of the arena, according to the Daily Mail. Unaccompanied minors were being taken to the Holiday Inn to wait for someone to tpick them up. Numerous others were bloodied and crying and had to be tended to or taken to hospitals.
Latest statement on incident at Manchester Arena pic.twitter.com/BEpLOan3dY
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017
Police statement on incident at Manchester Arena pic.twitter.com/gaKASukx9a
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 22, 2017
Police cordon massive around Victoria Station, the Arena, Cathedral and beyond. Police helicopter still circling above.
— Helen Pidd (@helenpidd) May 22, 2017
EXPLOSION AT MANCHESTER ARENA AND EVERYONE RAN OUT SO SCARY? pic.twitter.com/pJbUBoELtE
— ♡♡ (@hannawwh) May 22, 2017
LATEST: https://t.co/CXdVDH6dmO
– Reports of explosion at Manchester Arena in UK
– Multiple fatalities, injuries
– Ariana Grande not harmed pic.twitter.com/WPGAhFxnAa— ABC News (@ABC) May 22, 2017
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[…] The terror attack at the Manchester Arena last night was likely the product of a suicide bomber, according to the BBC. Twenty two people lost their lives, and at least 59 were taken to the hospital, some of whom have critical injuries. Paramedics treated 60 “walking wounded” at the scene. There are numerous people listed as “missing” after the attack. As usual in a high profile attack, ISIS claimed responsibility, saying a “lion of the caliphate” committed the barbaric act. The suspect was identified as Salman Abedi. […]
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