A new terror attack has struck London. This morning during peak commuter hours, a bomb was detonated in the tube, London’s underground metro. The explosion occurred at the Parsons Green station in the west of the capital. 29 passengers were injured and brought to the hospital in what has been declared a “major incident.” Along with the threat of the bomb, many passengers were injured amid the frenzy to evacuate the train. Witnesses indicate that there was a “crush” amongst those trying to leave the train.
The attack has prompted police to evacuate the area around the Parsons Green station. Police said: “The evacuation has been necessary whilst specialist officers secure the remnants of the improvised device and ensure it is stable.” Detectives are scouring CCTV footage to try and narrow down the search for a suspect or suspects. The device itself is being forensically analyzed. Authorities have been describing the device as an improvised explosive. The device, authorities say, was attached to a timer, not a manual detonator. Photos were posted online of the device in question. They show a bucket with wires trailing out of it. The bucket is shown to be smoldering inside a District line train.
The device detonated at roughly 8:20 am when witnesses claimed to see flames, with some describing a fireball. Police, paramedics, and firefighters were called and reported to the scene within minutes. Prime Minister Theresa May has indicated that the UK Terror Threat Level remains at severe; just a step below critical. This means that authorities believe another attack is likely, however not imminent. Police have identified a suspect, and a manhunt has been launched to find the bomber.
London Ambulance’s twitter account has stated that they have taken 19 patients to three London hospitals. The patients were described as having “minor injuries.”
Following the incident at #ParsonsGreen this morning we have taken 19 patients, mostly with minor injuries to three London hospitals. pic.twitter.com/1Y3dpTJifA
— London Ambulance (@Ldn_Ambulance) September 15, 2017
Home Secretary, Amber Rudd said: “Once more people going about their everyday lives have been targeted in a callous and indiscriminate way. My thoughts are with all those injured and affected.The police and emergency services were quickly on the scene and I would like to pay tribute again to their professionalism and tireless commitment.”
British Transport Police also tweeted to assuage fears after the attack this morning. They indicated that more police would be on hand following the bombing, and left a number for those in need to text.
You'll see extra officers on duty in the capital following the incident at #ParsonsGreen
We’re here to help
if you need us – text 61016 pic.twitter.com/JmYe9CWnDY
— BTP (@BTP) September 15, 2017
Not everyone was quite so helpful as US President Donald Trump took to Twitter with little more than speculation. He called it a terrorist attack before the police had identified it to be so, and even used it as ammunition for his travel ban of Muslims. Prime Minister Theresa May quickly rebuked the president’s ramblings, stating that mere speculation was far from “helpful” in the present situation.
The consequences of the attack are far-reaching, and not just for London or the UK. New York City has taken extra precautions in the wake of the London tube attack. Extra officers, heavy weapons teams, and sniffer dogs have been dispatched to the city’s transit system. Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed law enforcement to bolster security at tunnels, airports, bridges and mass transit across the state.