|
LONDON, July 7 (Xinhuanet) -- At least two deaths and 90 casualties were
confirmed in about six explosions that simultaneously rocked central London on
Thursday morning, authorities said.
 |
| At least two deaths and 90 casualties were
confirmed in about six explosions that simultaneously rocked central
London on Thursday morning, authorities said. (Photo:
Xinhua/AFP) | The two fatalities were reported in
an explosion at London's Aldgate East underground station, police said.
"(We can) confirm there were two fatalities at Aldgate East station this
morning," a police spokeswoman said.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke admitted "terrible injuries" caused by the
blasts and police said there were at least 90 casualties.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is now in the Scottish resort of
Glenealges for a G8 summit, will soon give a speech to the nation with regard to
the blasts.
A series of explosions hit London's transport system during rush hour
Thursday morning, causing the suspension of the entire underground railway
network and bus service.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ian Blair told BBC television that there
were about six explosions. "We think there are about six explosions. There are
many casualties."
There were no definite reports on the causes of the blasts, but police had
defined them as "major incidents."
"It is too too early to state what has happened," a London police spokesman
said. "I cannot comment on reports of bombs, but we have had multi-reports of
explosions around London."
The national Grid, which supplies power to the underground system, said
there had no problems with its system which could have contributed to the
incidents.
Police evacuated several tube stations after the incidents and shut down
the whole railway network and bus service.
Firefighters and medical staff are mobilized around the city toexplosion
sites, while several contingency teams of the army are on the street to guard
against any possible further attacks.
Pictures of injured people are seen on TV news. One witness said he saw "the bus was ripped open like a can of sardines and bodies everywhere." Enditem
|