Possible Terror Attack in Manchester: 19 Killed, 50 Injured in Arena Explosion
An explosion leads to panic after concert by pop star Ariana Grande.
At least 19 people have been killed, 50 injured in an explosion at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.
Shortly after a concert by American pop star Ariana Grande at least one “huge bang” shook the arena. Panicked concert-goers then stampeded the exits. Video footage shows people fleeing the venue in tears. Images are being posted of the bloodied injured.
Original reports focused on an explosion near stage right, possibly one of the pink balloons that surrounded the stage. However, British Transport Police are confirming the explosion was in the foyer area of the stadium near the ticket office. Reports are circulating that it may have been a suicide bombing. However, there is no official information on the source of the explosion.
The BBC reports the North West Counter Terror Unit is treating this as a possible terror attack. A BBC reporter at the scene spoke to some volunteer paramedics who treated the injured for “shrapnel-like injuries.” Fox News spoke to hospital sources who say the injuries they are receiving are consistent with a nail bomb.
Latest statement on incident at Manchester Arena pic.twitter.com/BEpLOan3dY
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017
Witness Oliver Jones told The Guardian, “The bang echoed around the foyer of the arena and people started to run. I seen many people running and screaming towards one direction and then many were turning around to run back the other way.”
Andy Holey had gone to pick up his wife and daughter at the concert. The blast threw him 30 feet. “When I got up I saw bodies on the ground. My first thought was to go into the Arena to try to find my family.” Fortunately, his wife and daughter were okay.
Joss Elliot was at the concert. He told BBC Radio 5 Live, “It was bedlam … it was horrific.”
A barman at a nearby club described the explosion as a “sound like thunder.” He reports seeing people lying on the ground covered in blood.
Joseph Carozza, a representative from Ariana Grande’s US record label, said the singer is safe and they are investigating what happened.
On May 1, the State Department issued a travel alert for U.S. citizens traveling to Europe.
