Scores Injured by Explosion at Boston Marathon Finish Line

This story was written and reported by Roberto Scalese and Liz Taurasi.

There were nine Manchester runners who ran in the Boston Marathon: all runners appeared to have finished the race, although Patch was unable to verify any of their statuses as of about 5 p.m. Monday afternoon. 

5:00 p.m. - The Boston Globe is reporting that more than 100 people are being treated at various hospitals around the Boston area after the explosions. 

4:45 p.m. - Boston Police have worked to update the public through their Twitter account. Officers are now asking anyone with video of the finish line to send it to the department.

*****4:40 p.m. Governor Deval Patrick has issued the following statement: “This is a horrific day in Boston. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured. I have been in touch with the President, Mayor Menino and our public safety leaders. Our focus is on making sure that the area around Copley Square is safe and secured. I am asking everyone to stay away from Copley Square and let the first responders do their jobs.”

****4:30 p.m. - CBS-Boston is reporting of the two devices found, early indications say they are homemade devices. They are also reporting that federal officials say they don't have any information that this was a planned attack. We are waiting for press conference to begin. 

*****The Associated Press is reporting two more bombs have been found and deactivated.

*****The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a temporary flight restriction in Boston .

*****The White House has issued an official statement: "The President has been notified of the incident in Boston. His administration is in contact with state and local authorities. He directed his administration to provide whatever assistance is necessary in the investigation and response."

*****Several MBTA services are suspended following the explosion. The MBTA’s Green Line service between Kenmore and Park Street stations has been shut down as of 3:30 p.m. today, although Green Line service will continue to run between Lechmere and North Station, according to MBTA.com.

Both the Green Line's B and C services have been temporarily suspended, and the D line is only running from Riverside to Fenway.

The Green Line's E service is still running between Northeastern and Brigham Circle. Customers who need service between Brigham Circle and Health Street are being asked to use the Route 39 bus.In addition, the Red Line is bypassing Park Street Station at this time, with the Red and Orange lines bypassing Downtown Crossing Station.

*****Area of the finish line is now cordoned off as a crime scene. 

*****Boston Police are reporting 22 injured, two dead. A media briefing is scheduled for 4:30 at the Westin Hotel

*****Boston EMS is setting up triage on Boylston, thousands of police and emergency personnel on scene. Anyone looking for a runner is being directed by Boston Police to go to Boston Common. WBZ-TV is reporting there was a fire at the John F. Kennedy Library just after the explosions. No word on if there is a connection to the explosions. 

*****Buildings in the area are being evacuated including the apartments at the Prudential. All businesses along Boylston Street are being evacuated and officials are urging everyone to avoid Copley Square.

*****Witnesses near the explosion are being told to stay off their phones as they could trigger more bombs.  The Fairmount Copley Plaza Hotel is currently in lockdown. 

*****Dozens of people were injured by two explosions near the Boston Marathon finish line. There are multiple reports of victims with missing limbs, bloodied heads and other extremely serious injuries. WBZ-4 reported  at least a dozen victims with "grave injuries."

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency confirms there were explosions but has not released any further details. Public Safety blogger Alert New England reported that all ambulances in the area were diverted to the scene.

One eyewitness said she was right next to the Prudential Center when she said she heard two explosions, "It was the loudest thing I've ever heard."
Families trying to locate loved ones can call 617-635-4500; people with tips can call 1-800-494-TIPS