Explosions in London

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: freda underhill
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:02 AM

relieved and glad to hear about Phot, Pixie.

x freda

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:01 AM

Thanks Liz.
Text messages are sometimes getting through.
Hope you hear soon.
Keith.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Wuzzle
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:55 AM

Love and Prayers, to all involved,

Gilly

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:54 AM

What can I do, besides send good vibes and psychic support?

This stinks (he said, in understatement).

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:53 AM

Phew.... so glad he's OK Pixie.....

Take care.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:51 AM

I know how you feel Keith, I have friends in London, one of whom works on the Underground, another of whom has his 84 yr old mother with him....

One of my work colleagues was unaccounted for as of 1.30pm though.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:48 AM

Crikey, glad to hear people are alright. I was in London last night and just made the last coach home because I had a meeting today, otherwise I'd have been wandering around Zone 1 this morning doing touristy things. Thinking of you all.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Donuel
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:41 AM

Sympathy and courage to all involved.

The beat goes on.
The tube will be shut down all day today and travel is difficult.

Pres. Bush spoke about a disregard for liberty. He has made quite an improvement in behavior since 9-11. At the very first whisper in his ear about explosions in London he immediately left the room.

I saw a movie 2 weeks ago about dirty bombs going off in the financial district of London. In contrast to those dramatized events, today seems eerily surreal.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Alice
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:40 AM

My sympathy and support to all of you there.

Alice

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: pixieofdoom
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:33 AM

Just heard from Phot, he's fine.......phew. My thoughts are with all those not so lucky

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:28 AM

Both my sons travelled in to Central London this morning.
I knew that the odds were massively on their side, but still relieved when finally able to make contact.
Not everyone's sons and daughters were so lucky.
Keith.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:25 AM

We knew what you meant Susan but it's just a stupid remark from some politician. History is littered with examples of cities destroyed or sacked and 'all' the inhabitants enslaved or put to the sword. Over and over again! And guess what - a few years later those cities had recovered enough to be a tempting target for another (or even the same) conquering army - London is just another in that line.

This attack will have got people more rattled than one big blast would have. They will be sitting on the train or bus tonight (if they can get one) worrying if they are sitting on another bomb. But its nothing that people in Jerusalem or Baghdad don't do every day. And in the end more people will have been killed or injured just trying to cross the road.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:21 AM

That's kind Wys, but the war was 60 years ago... 20 years before I was born. Most Londoners now don't fit into the age range that remembers 'make do and mend', or nightly trips to the air raid shelter. Most of them in the City probably don't even remember Vietnam, the IRA or the Falklands Islands conflict. Most Londoners don't even know the name of their next door neighbour.

We have an infrastructure that has a history of coping well, that had far too much experience in dealing with emergencies on a large scale, and this has once again, swung into action in a superlative manner. But it's made up of individual people, just as everyone at Ground Zero in New York were individuals. History, location, experience - nothing matters but those individuals and their actions.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:10 AM

Liz, I didn't mean that "London can take it." I just meant that we here in the US are the new kids on the block as far as terror attacks are concerned-- thinking of all you've been through in the wars, etc.--

I'm sorry if that's not what came through.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:09 AM

Pushkin - it's no rumour, check my posting of 7.45am Cat time, straight from the BBC. ALL mainline trains are being stopped well outside of London.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: AlexB
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:08 AM

But was it them? Could just be wanting to take the credit... or am I just warped to think that?

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:07 AM

London can take it but can individuals? Not really, if you're watching the news. Individuals are in shock - *I'M* in shock... I've just realised that if I'd gone to work today as planned, I would have been on that train between Aldgate East and Liverpool Street... a Hammersmith and City line train that travels under Aldgate and the City of London.

We're a lot less resiliant than the citizens were 60 years ago... hell, I know people who will not leave their house if they can't find their mobile phone!

"The Secret organisation of Al Qaeda of Jihad" has just claimed responsibility, on a website.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Pushkin
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:06 AM

At the moment the Square Mile is on official terrorist alert. We are presently stuck in our office and not allowed to leave the building. I imagine this is the case with most offices in the city.

Rumours are that Waterloo and Cannon Street rail stations have closed but I think this is probably just as a security measure to check things out before the rush for us to try and get home!

Pushkin

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Ghettoblaster
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:04 AM

Sympathy for the innocent affected.

Tony, George, we told you so.

This also seems to confirm that those responsible are confident that they do not need to worry about identity cards, which the politicians will now ram down our throats, so evidently the really organised terrorist has a plan to get round the security of such cards.

Can we point out to those responsible that (even in the city of London and the heart of capitalism where the UK's shock troops of economic imperialism work) it was not the people of London who made war on Islam - but certain of their leaders? If your religion demands an eye for an eye, you might at least make it the correct eye.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:00 AM

Londoners are no strangers to fortitude and pulling together-- I know there will be abundant courage and effective response. Hardi and I add our prayers and concern to the admiration we have for our British cousins.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:58 AM

Yes, the timing and style of this suggests it was hastily arranged to put a damper on the Olympic celebrations.

And yes, London can take it but can individuals?

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: alison
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:57 AM

more thoughts & prayers from Oz...... glad to hear that many of you are OK and looking forward to hearing from the others

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Wolfgang
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:49 AM

My heartfelt sympathies to all those involved or hit.

These attacks rather mirror Madrid than New York. One has to be thankful for this though this is hardly a solace for those who have lost relations or friends or are injured.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:45 AM

No mainline train services into Kings Cross, Liverpool St, Euston and St Pancras, they are all being stopped miles before London (probably on the M25 boundary) but they hope to have them working again later to get people out of London.

There are no Underground trains or buses in Central London. Glad to hear some of our west Londoners are OK.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Guy Who Thinks
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:45 AM

CNN and Fox are covering this atrocity to the exclusion of other news. They have high praise for the efficiency of the emergency services.

With no official casualty reports, it is hard to judge the actual damage. Like most terrorist attacks, this was done as much for spectacle, confusion, and psychological damage as anything else. In worse times, a former prime minister said, "London can take it."

As a New Yorker, my sincere condolences go to all the victims and their families.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,jOhn
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:37 AM

BBC saying 20 dead and around 100 injured.
my thoughts are with those concerned, hope all our London freinds are ok.

john

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: MBSLynne
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:36 AM

Well I hope they go straight to Hell.....

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:34 AM

Terrible news, but good to hear from those of you in London who have checked in. My love and prayers go out to all of you.

Allison

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:32 AM

Sadly, these people do not always walk away as there is the possibility of suicide bombings.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Fiona
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:29 AM

Mr Blair has just confirmed live on the BBC that it's a terrorist attack.

There's a tube train stuck at Kings X and a rescue operation going on.

Londoners are being asked not to travel, the whole of the underground has been closed and buses in central London have been suspended.

I've just seen a fleet of ambulances from Berkshire going by. There doesn't seem to be much panic, local residents and businesses are rallying round, giving folk hot drinks and looking after those who are just shocked. Walking wounded are being ferried to hospital in buses, saving the trained staff and ambulances for those in greater need. More buses are being used to treat minor injuries at the scene.

Mobiles are still off in some areas and landlines are being affected in some areas too, so don't worry too much if you can't get through.

As Lynne says most of the city is fine just horrified at the news.

Fiona

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: AggieD
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:26 AM

My deapest sympathy to those involved, hope Phot is OK.

Oh the terrible cowardice of these terrorists, poor innocents always suffer for the warped few.

I know the fear that will stay with the people who have to go to work around these areas every day, I commuted to the City every day during the IRA terrorist days.

Angela

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:24 AM

I was on a train at Neasden when the whole tube system was closed down. It took me an hour and a half to get back to Harrow by bus, and find out how lucky I'd been!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:22 AM

All our news stations are carrying this. Although only 2 confirmed dead and 90 confirmed casualties, most predict much higher counts, early reports talking of horrific injuries, loss of limbs, etc. Still conflicting reports of how many explosions. Seems to indicate 7 stations and up to three buses.

Blair just spoke, will return to London in a few hours, then back to Scotland to resume G8 conference. Said all members at conference commiserated (forgot what word he use...sympathized, empathized) with the British people. But our determination to defeat barbaric acts is stronger than their determination to harm innocents. (paraphrased)

Our love to you. I'm signing off now so folks can use this forum for communication. The mobile and land lines around London are clogged, and I suspect the BBC website will be overrun soon.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: MBSLynne
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:17 AM

We have to remember that the vast majority of people in London ARE ok...it's only a minority who have been involved in any way

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: AlexB
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:16 AM

It is on all the terrestrial channels.

I have a friend I think is supposed to be in London today. Hope he is okay.

My thoughts go out to everyone in the capital.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:10 AM

Most East London Catters are accounted for. We're anxious for news about Phot but suspect being the person he is, he'll be busy helping if he can.

There's a picture of a bus on TV at the moment.. it used to be a double decker.

News reporter has just put into one sentence. "These people are just cowards, they leave these things and walk away"

Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers....

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Moses
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 07:08 AM

I'm 15 miles outside of London working in a school. A party of our students were due to travel into town by tube this morning but fortunately were to set off after the time that these dreadful events occurred so they are not caught up in it.

I've seen coverage by the BBC of one of the buses with the top blown off.

Those poor people going about their daily business, work, shopping or sightseeing had no chance.

Life is fragile

Peace

Christine

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 06:58 AM

I'm Ok so far. I'm not sure how I'll get home _ I knew I should have started cycling!! - but I suspect the buses will be running again by this afternoon. We have just had a rumour of a bomb in nearby Houndsditch but I didn't hear anything even though I can hear the news helicopters overhead. It's a little bit unnerving as I look out over the site of the Baltic Exchange bombing which is now a glass tower known as the Gherkin. The management have ordered in sandwiches so the staff don't have to go out of the office and have moved a meeting to an office away from the Gherkin. Mind you, they haven't moved staff away from the windows yet!

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Mr Happy
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 06:57 AM

Channel 5 live news UK just said they'd been told by Met Police number of dead so far is 2.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: My guru always said
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 06:51 AM

Just caught this, dreadful! Thoughts and Prayers for all involved!

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From:
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 06:46 AM

Pixie, let us know the Phot is OK when you here. The mobile networks are down in central London at the moment..including all our work mobiles.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 06:45 AM

And at least the Mudcat isn't down...

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: MBSLynne
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 06:44 AM

Will all London Mudcatters please check in so we know you are all ok??

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 06:43 AM

There's no point in picking up on rumours and passing them on. The actual facts of what's happened hasn't happened will be available soon enough.

Just watching the TV coverage, from which it looks as if the response by the emergency servicesm, and people in general seems pretty level-headed. There was an American tourist who was in the street when the first bus bomb went off, and she was favourably impressed by the fact that the police clearing the street didn't feel it necessary to shout. That's how it should be, panic and flap is a killer in these situations.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: pixieofdoom
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 06:40 AM

Glad you guys are ok Khatt, tried to call you but phone systems are down. Phot is somewhere in central London too, can't get hold of him for the same reason so all a bit nervous here

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: freda underhill
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 06:37 AM

This is awful - my thoughts are with you all, what a horrific, evil violation of such a beautiful city.

freda

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 06:36 AM

Breaking news is that Al Quaida (is that the correct spellng?) are claiming responsibility.

News source: BBS News 24 at 11.32

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 06:35 AM

Arab monitors reporting Al Quaida as responsible.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From:
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 06:34 AM

They are confirmed bomb explosions and at least 20 dead so far. We get rid of the IRA threat adn it is replaced by something else. All OK here but we are 5 miles out. Got friends in the City and they are ok but are on red alert and don't know how they are getting home. Have checked in with Liz the Sqeak...her and paul are ok too.

Will give updates as we get them

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Mr Happy
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 06:30 AM

20 victims killed so far


Lots more info here:



http://news.bbc.co.uk/