Explosions in London

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: 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 - 08:21 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: 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: 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: 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: Alice
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:40 AM

My sympathy and support to all of you there.

Alice

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Wuzzle
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 08:55 AM

Love and Prayers, to all involved,

Gilly

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: 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: Azizi
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:02 AM

I'm also sending my prayers to all Londoners.

and I'm so glad Mudcat is up during this emergency.

With some cell phones and land lines down, discussion forums such as this may be the only way that folks can use to find out what's happening about whether their loved ones are okay.

What the world needs now is Positive Vibrations & Peace.

Azizi

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:07 AM

Sad news - but glad that mudcatters in the area are pretty well "networked" so we get news even with the disruption of services.
Thoughts with you all of course - and the families of the victims.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Weary Traveller
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:10 AM

the timing does seem connected with the announcement of the successful bid to hold the 2012 Olympics in London --- but with so much organisation involved would the perpetrators have called the attacks off or even postponed them if Paris had been selected for the Olympics rather than London?

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:16 AM

Some grim, cynical humour... if it had happened yesterday or Tuesday, we wouldn't have been lumbered with the Olympics!

It's more likely to coincide with the G8 summit, aimed at the Capital because Gleneagles is stiff with police and security measures, and is a lot LOT harder to infiltrate. Terrorists don't want to assassinate leaders, they want to cause terror.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: AlexB
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:17 AM

Weary Traveller: it is more likely to have been planned to coincide with the G8 summit. But I thought that too.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:17 AM

But the G8 summit would still be on, even if London hadn't got the Olympics!

Glad to hear that Phot's OK. Only 3 weeks until I get to the Middle Bar (AQ permitting) .....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Audrey
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:17 AM

I hope you are all OK, especially thinking of Manitas & Liz who I know to be commuters to the worst affected areas.

Good Luck
Audrey

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:18 AM

Audrey, we're fine..... Manitas is stuck in his office but I'm at home.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Essex Girl
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:18 AM

Well, I'm still at work in the city. Just popped out for lunch and it's very quiet. No buses, very little traffic at all. We have been told that there are trains leaving from London Bridge but I'll have to wait till I get there. Luckily I don't have to travel by tube. We've spent most of the morning on the internet or watching the news and it's quite scary at times. Dave wasn't feeling too hot this morning so he didn't go to work. Good job as he'd never have got there anyway!!. Hope everyone gets home safely.
Linda

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: AggieD
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:21 AM

IMHO the G8 summit probably has far more to do with the explosions than the Olympics. Just glad that the leaders have decided to carry on & not let the terrorists distract them, although I'm still sceptical on what they will actually achieve.

Very pleased that Phot has made contact, just keep praying for the others who haven't yet made contact.

Angela

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,KingBrilliant
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:45 AM

After being told to stay put - there are now reports of buildings being evacuated (tho of course they could be utter rumour).
On BBC website someone reports a friend texting that they have been told to evacuate the building and get out of London. On Japanese TV they are reporting a Japanese near russel square just having been told to evacuate the building.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Wolfgang
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:46 AM

Rejoice, community of Muslims,
the Mujaheddin heroes have attacked London today...We've kept our promises and have carried out a heavenly blessed military operation (Ao Qaeda in Europe)

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:49 AM

Official police advice is to remain where you are and do not travel. Do not call emergency services unless it is life threatening. Do not come into London. Monitor radio and TV for futher reports.

Confirmed 4 explosions, 12 dead.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Bainbo
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:54 AM

No one's ever heard of this Al Qaeda in Europe before, and we've no guarantee this statement is genuine, or is intended to do anything other than inflame the situation even more.

Obviously, Al Qaeda are the most obvious suspects, but until we've some confirmation, I'd take statements like this with a pinch of salt.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:54 AM

The sky news website is reporting 45 dead and 1000 injured. I don't know how acurate this is but what ever the figure it is too high.

Im stuck at work. We've been told to stay put for the time being even though we aren't in the city. The pictures on the internet are unbelievable.

My thoughts are with the people and their families in the city.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:03 AM

Sounds like the Sky news is coming from a US correspondent, I got the same figure just now from the BBC who stressed it is NOT confirmed and is just an estimate.

8-10 dead at Edgware road. 2 dead at Aldgate. They cannot give numbers until they have got to the people in the trains... there are rescue operations still going on.

So far only one politician has done a useful thing... Frank Dobson said, live on the BBC, that 'visits from politicians like myself are just a bloody nuisance!"

'Transport for London' are hoping to resume bus travel later today but people are asked not to travel into central London.

The Al Qaeda group claiming responsibility have not been heard of before.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:04 AM

We've been told we can leave now as some mainline stations are open.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:04 AM

Ananova attributes a figure of 40 dead to a US law enforcement officer who heard it from his counterparts over here, and doesn't want to be named because its not official yet.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:05 AM

Please keep reporting in. One of the pluses (?) about the Mudcat is that a human face is on these things. I find myself sitting here worried sick over my many UK buddies. Let us know you are OK, please?

Mick

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

BBC website still says 2 dead.

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

I still hear 2 dead too, but waiting for confirmation from hospitals.

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

They hope all mainline stations, except Kings Cross will re open for rush hour. Tubes and buses still out indefinitely. They say no warning was given.

The attacks have targeted working class people and school kids. That's who use the transport system that time of the day. How brave?

It was always going to happen and now it has. We are back to the days of the IRA threats, when you couldn't stand easy on a platform.
The peace didn't last long did it. Sad but inevitable.

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

I'm at home at Mottingham, so I'm well out of any danger. At the moment only a couple of fatalities seem to have been mentioned and it's been suggested that one of these might have been a suicide bomber on the bus at Tavistock Square. Obviously there are likely to be further deaths among the seriously injured, but compared with the Madrid bombings, London seems to have come off very lightly indeed.

The number of Tube bombs seems to only have been four, but as two of the trains were between stations, rescue efforts were made from both directions thus fuelling reports of six incidents.

The emergency services seem to have responded well and the planning and rehearsing for such an event seems to have paid off.

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

Hope all catters are safe....thoughts and prayers to all in the capital....
xxx

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:09 AM

Very, very relieved to hear from so many London Mudcatters and to know you are all okay. Thanks for checking in and on each other.

Lots of love and good thoughts, with sympathy, to all involved and their families and friends.

Cynical me says G8 has a lot more to do with this, in more ways than one. I do not trust them anymore than those they call terrorists. I hope I am wrong.

May Peace Prevail,

kat

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

An emergency number has just been announced

0870 156 6344

Ring this if you are still looking for information on missing people.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:13 AM

So it's an 0870 number. That means that BT and Who? will profit from the calls! I hope they donate it all to the injured familes.

Sal

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:15 AM

My wife and I sat and watched the news coverage this morning, and while the attacks weren't a great surprise, they are extremely disturbing. I think that most of us knew this was likely to happen. If someone can be convinced that they are going to die in Glory for their God by strapping explosives to their body and blowing themselves up, there is really no protection against that.

Our hearts and prayers go out to all those who have been struck by this...those who have been injured, and those whose hearts have been wounded by such random violence.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:15 AM

At least one of the tube train bombs was detonated as another train was passing it in the opposite direction... this is what has caused the tunnel blockages and the additional reports. Seems they were set to or were detonated when the trains were in the tunnels rather than at stations where access would have been easier and disruption probably less.

All bus services are still suspended in central London (I'm reading this off the television screen, tuned to BBC) and Tony Blair has arrived in Downing St.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:28 AM

They've changed their minds, it was probably a Central or Circle line train at Liverpool Street.

33 fatalities confirmed.

No warnings were given and no claims have been recieved by the police.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:31 AM

I've just heard that Liverpool Street station (presumably the mainline station) is reopening at 4pm. I'm going to see if a can catch a bus or DLR.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:38 AM

Someone mentioned it at JennyO's folk club tonight but we had almost no info.

It's 12.31am Friday here & I'm listening to BBC world service, reception is up & down, but I'll try the bbc links next.

best wishes to all affected

sandra

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: PoohBear
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:38 AM

WTF?????
I guess I just don't understand the mind set that says killing innocent people and disrupting everything is the way to solve differences of opinion and beliefs.
I'm very relieved to hear from our London 'catters that they are alright. . . well, at least not physically injured.
My best supportive, positive thoughts and prayers to all concerned.
PB

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Lanfranc
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:41 AM

Fortunately I'm at home in Harlow, but I've spent most of the past couple of hours receiving calls and emails chaecking whether I was OK and passing on info via SMS to friends who can't access the internet. My London office is about 200 metres from Aldgate, and, if my colleague there hadn't decided to get to work early for no particular reason, on his normal schedule he'd have been in or near Aldgate at the crucial time.

Transport for London's website hasn't been updated since 14:25, and most people seem most concerned as to how they are going to get home, about which there is little firm information.

Alan

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 10:41 AM

This was aimed at derailing the G8 meeting. We will see how well it works tomorrow, but it will be more effective than the marches and riots in Scotland.

james