Mobile phone reception in my area has stopped, too, on all networks. Lots of sirens about. posted by Drexen at 2:25 AM on July 7, 2005
Officials are claiming it was a power surge of some kind
I find it hard to believe a power surge could knock out a bus
Mobile phone reception in my area has stopped, too, on all networks.
The emergency responce team can knock out all comms in an area to ensure their lines are clear posted by handybitesize at 2:29 AM on July 7, 2005
"Maybe, oh, I dunno, Google News?"
See my comment in the other thread. It's too early to get much timely information from the net. If you look at those Google news items that turn up from your link (as of 32 minutes after the hour), they all say basically the same few things. posted by Ethereal Bligh at 2:29 AM on July 7, 2005
Local BBC reporting several explosions at London stations and explosions on at least one bus. Entire Underground and most major rail stations closed. Eyewitness descriptions of trhe top of a bus in Tavistock square being blown off. posted by normy at 2:33 AM on July 7, 2005
Just phoned my Mum on a hard line -- she is watching this from home out of London. I'm at work in the heart of the city. She said they're saying three buses now. Reports of technical faults on the underground don't make much sense given the buses. I go three these areas all the time. I am having no luck contacting my girlfriend who is out and about at the moment. It's a big old place, and she's not good at answering the phone, though... posted by nthdegx at 2:34 AM on July 7, 2005
Fair enough. This kind of thread may not be what Metafilter's for, but a similar one was of great comfort to me after the Bali bombing. I retract my mild snark. posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 2:35 AM on July 7, 2005
Right, my girlfriend got through to me, thankfully. Lots of sirens in the background by the sounds of it. She said it was kind of crazy outside. posted by nthdegx at 2:38 AM on July 7, 2005
My girlfriend's in the City too (she commutes to London from Barcelona - what a crock for this!) Doesn't know much of what's going on - but is safe. It's a mess, and if the buses are true, it's no accident. posted by benzo8 at 2:39 AM on July 7, 2005
Scotland Yard have confirmed 3 bus explosions (one of which my colleague witnessed at Aldgate). Metronet (who run parts of the tube) confirm at least 3 explosions on the underground network. All London hospitals are on major incident alert and the entire tube and central bus network has been suspended. Reports of multiple fatalities. Finally, an eyewitness on Sky News has just reported a second explosion at Russell Square. posted by tomafro at 2:45 AM on July 7, 2005
Eyewitnesses are now reporting secondary explosions in Russell Sqaure. posted by Reto at 2:46 AM on July 7, 2005
nthdegx - I'm relieved to hear you heard from her.
I have such a terrible knot in my stomach right now. The news coverage, the chaos, the sketchy reports and unknown numbers of people affected all feels way too horribly familiar. You're all in my prayers. posted by LeeJay at 2:46 AM on July 7, 2005
For what it's worth, now that Reuters has gone down (thanks for that .NET scalability, Bill), Ananova were one of the very few news sources to stay afloat during 9/11 while providing regular updates. Current story posted by NinjaPirate at 2:47 AM on July 7, 2005
Hope it's not as bad as it sounds... must be a nightmare being in the LU when something like this happens.
Perhaps the French are upset about not getting the 2012 Olympics? posted by Chunder at 2:48 AM on July 7, 2005
If this is intentional, (and it sounds like it is,) I hope the paramedics are careful, I believe there have been cases where follow up bombs have been planted to take out first responders and cause more chaos.
My thoughts and wishes to everyone in London. posted by Snyder at 2:48 AM on July 7, 2005
Home Secretary requests people not to make "unnecessary journies" in London. posted by normy at 2:49 AM on July 7, 2005
More likely to be a G8 thing than the Olympics I would suspect. posted by Auz at 2:51 AM on July 7, 2005
fuck - I live in London (hence excitement at yesterday's announcement) but am in the Midlands this week staying with my boyfriend... first I knew about all this was a SMS from a friend asking if I was OK. Can't help but see a link with the Olympic announcement and possibly the G8.
I used to commute in to Russell Sq every day before I went freelance... must contact everyone I can think of. this is awful. posted by altolinguistic at 2:51 AM on July 7, 2005
A girl I work with just walked in after having seen one of the buses explode. She's not quite sure what she saw and is upstairs, v traumatised. posted by Summer at 2:52 AM on July 7, 2005
Due in Soho tonight to attend a reunion inc. one friend who's just arrived from Tokyo. Good re-introduction to London life as he left during the days when the IRA were causing security alerts almost daily...
Any updates from London-based MeFites appreciated. posted by i_cola at 2:52 AM on July 7, 2005
Report of another bomb on Hounsditch (financial district). posted by normy at 2:53 AM on July 7, 2005
My wife is flying into the UK tomorrow. I would be extremely fucking displeased if anything stops this happening with 100% efficiency. posted by longbaugh at 2:53 AM on July 7, 2005
And someone finally dropped the T word... posted by mek at 2:54 AM on July 7, 2005
Up-to-the-second info: here posted by SharQ at 2:54 AM on July 7, 2005
Greeting from the City of London!
Things ok here, if ppl a bit panicked. We've been asked to shut windows and keep away. Outside, people are milling around but it seems pretty calm. posted by plep at 2:59 AM on July 7, 2005
Way to distill the information from here and self-link at a time when people are panicky and scared. Fuckwad. posted by benzo8 at 3:00 AM on July 7, 2005
Where do you work Summer? posted by i_cola at 3:00 AM on July 7, 2005
All the mobiles are down, can't reach any friends out there.
Even the BBC radio stream is dead. posted by gsb at 3:01 AM on July 7, 2005
Nothing to say that hasn't already been said. Check-ins and info will help assuage fears and please let us know if and how we can help. posted by Frisbee Girl at 3:01 AM on July 7, 2005
Good lord. Situation in London is pretty chaotic. Lots of rumours flying around. So far, casualties appear low, although the high level of organisation (tube incident was a time to cause maximum damage) means that I'm just hoping there isn't another shoe to drop. posted by Hartster at 3:01 AM on July 7, 2005
You can text mobiles in London, I've discovered, even though you can't phone them. On O2, at least. posted by jonvaughan at 3:01 AM on July 7, 2005
ITV news reporting >20 fatalities. posted by normy at 3:02 AM on July 7, 2005
Self-links in threads are OK benzo8. Not everyone on the internet can comment on MeFi. posted by i_cola at 3:02 AM on July 7, 2005
BBC reports police stating that there are multiple bombs - including a possible train crash at Kings Cross. posted by laukf at 3:03 AM on July 7, 2005
Thanks, LeeJay. I still have heard no word of fatalities, tomafro -- do you have a source you can link to? I'm trying to keep a total of incidents, and assuming reports here are accurate there have now been 8 or 9: but amid the confusion perhaps its nowhere near that. This Dialy Mail story hints at six. posted by nthdegx at 3:03 AM on July 7, 2005
This quote from the BBC article pretty much sums up English people in my mind
"People don't seem to be panicked, but there's so many police and ambulances coming into the areas. People are just concerned, and some are just annoyed at the delay." posted by longbaugh at 3:04 AM on July 7, 2005
jonvaughan: SMS should work fine. In Sri Lanka a lot of the post-tsunami news went via SMS despite voice calls being out. posted by i_cola at 3:04 AM on July 7, 2005
You can text mobiles in London, I've discovered, even though you can't phone them. On O2, at least.
I think this is the case. I'm on Orange and it works for me. posted by nthdegx at 3:04 AM on July 7, 2005
ITV speculation of intentional shutdown of mobile phone networks because phones can be used to trigger bombs. posted by normy at 3:05 AM on July 7, 2005
There was a 'muffled explosion' at Liverpool Street station around the time I got in. More explosions on buses since then.
Confirmed 20 dead.
Also, my mobile texting (Vodafone) isn't working. posted by plep at 3:05 AM on July 7, 2005
Where do you work Summer?
Bow Street. We've been told to stay inside and not go near the windows. My friend who works in City heard the Houndsditch bomb. Luckily everyone I know is accounted for. posted by Summer at 3:06 AM on July 7, 2005
An email from a friend:
I’ve just had a call from a friend who works for the US Navy over here and they have an MOD briefing suggesting they were expecting 5 bombs – so it looks highly possible that there will be more. posted by Summer at 3:07 AM on July 7, 2005
longbaugh: I am going to go ahead and assume I have misunderstood both of your contributions to this thread and write off my negative reaction to them as stress. posted by LeeJay at 3:07 AM on July 7, 2005
Sky has just confirmed all bus services in central London have been suspended. posted by Reto at 3:07 AM on July 7, 2005
I cannot get through to anyone in London, by phone or text. posted by ZippityBuddha at 3:07 AM on July 7, 2005
LeeJay - fuck off. Read them however you like - one is me being worried about my wife flying into the country and the other is me pointing out how wonderful the English are at dealing with this.
I give less than a toss about your fucking reaction. posted by longbaugh at 3:09 AM on July 7, 2005
Mobile phone reception in my area has stopped, too, on all networks.
It's now standard practice that if a bomb goes off, they shut down the mobile phone network because further bombs can be triggered by mobile. posted by missbossy at 3:09 AM on July 7, 2005
Confirmed 20 dead.
The BBC just said that there was no confirmed deaths, yet. Where did you here this, Plep? posted by ZippityBuddha at 3:10 AM on July 7, 2005
Metropolitan Police Commisioner on TV asks people not to move - all public transport in London currently closed down. posted by normy at 3:10 AM on July 7, 2005
From the London Transport website:
"All London underground lines are suspended due to a network emergency. London buses are withdrawn from cental London & DLR services are only running between bow Church & Lewisham and Beckton & Poplar." posted by Reto at 3:11 AM on July 7, 2005
LeeJay - fuck off. Read them however you like - one is me being worried about my wife flying into the country and the other is me pointing out how wonderful the English are at dealing with this.
Like I said. I assumed that I was misunderstanding them and that I was reacting out of my own distress. I hope your wife makes it in safely. posted by LeeJay at 3:12 AM on July 7, 2005
My mobile network (o2) seems to be working ok for texts and telephone, but the other networks in use for our company are patchy at best.
One of our group companies in W1 has decided to close its offices for the day and send all staff home. Others have been told to stay at work if they're already there and go back home if they're out of the office or still on their way. posted by Mr Bismarck at 3:12 AM on July 7, 2005
BBC is reporting an incident in Brighton, where the railway station has been closed. I'm near Victoria station, where we have been advised not to leave the building. Spoke to my wife briefly after she arrived at a meeting near Oxford Circus by bus, but can't get in touch now. This is absolutely nervewracking... posted by zarex at 3:13 AM on July 7, 2005
LeeJay - me too goddamn it - sorry to bite at you. posted by longbaugh at 3:13 AM on July 7, 2005
Just managed to Skype my friends in London, everyone's OK and surprisingly calm. Thank God for the Internet. posted by fuzz at 3:14 AM on July 7, 2005
News of incidents in both Brighton and Swindon train stations. posted by NinjaPirate at 3:14 AM on July 7, 2005
Don't worry about it. I shouldn't have said anything to begin with. My apologies. posted by LeeJay at 3:14 AM on July 7, 2005
Brighton as well? Fuck - my family live there... posted by longbaugh at 3:17 AM on July 7, 2005
All about you, ain't it Longbaugh? posted by benzo8 at 3:18 AM on July 7, 2005
Here between Holborn and Covent Garden everything seems calm, though we can hear loads of sirens. Also, we've just seen some army vehicles drive past. posted by tomafro at 3:18 AM on July 7, 2005
Can't contact my friend who spends every day near Holborn by phone. Have tried SMS but no response yet.
longbaugh - I chuckled a bit at that quote in the BBC article too - it is fairly typical of Londoners to be under threat of terrorism and *still* whinge about delays on the Tube. posted by altolinguistic at 3:18 AM on July 7, 2005
Reuters is reportnig at least 90 casualties at Aldgate. posted by walrus at 3:19 AM on July 7, 2005
altolinguistic: The cell phone network has been shut down posted by fvw at 3:20 AM on July 7, 2005
My flat is 3 mins from Brighton station. Thankfully I ride share...north Surrey may not be such a bad place to work after all... posted by i_cola at 3:21 AM on July 7, 2005
I can't get any info about Brighton or about this 90 casualties. If you have links, people, please post them if you can. posted by blacklite at 3:21 AM on July 7, 2005
Can we drop the snarking, please? Just nipped to my local Dixons electronic store in the middle of town.
"Radio, is it, sir?"
"Err, yeah".
"You'll need batteries, too..."
I looked toward the end of the store, and about thrity people were crowded round the TVs. posted by nthdegx at 3:21 AM on July 7, 2005
benzo8, please, it's perfectly understandable to be worried about family, everyone's under stress here, some more then other, obviously, but it's no reason to lose your cool, please, lets not fight. posted by Snyder at 3:22 AM on July 7, 2005
Now, Scotland Yard is confirming 6 explosions (so much for power surges), 5 on the tube and 1 on a bus (listening to BBC News 24) posted by zarex at 3:22 AM on July 7, 2005
"I can't get any info about Brighton or about this 90 casualties. If you have links, people, please post them if you can."
Reuters is down, casualties also reported here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4659331.stm posted by walrus at 3:22 AM on July 7, 2005
TV reports here say at least 90 fatalities and there are images of busloads (literally) of injured people being ferried to hospital.
Bombs in 3 buses in Russel Square and a tube train between Kings Cross and Aldgate East Station is what has just been reported here on TV. Also at least one suspicious package in another train.
No links for these reports as yet. posted by dg at 3:22 AM on July 7, 2005
Metropolitan police, on BBC World, confirms six explosions.
Police message to Londoners:
1. Stay where you are. All transport disabled.
2. Don't call emergency sevices unless situation is life-theatening.
3. Will be back soon with more information. posted by mr.marx at 3:23 AM on July 7, 2005
Yes benzo8 - it's my malignant narcissism shining through as I show concern for my wife and members of my family. What's your point - take it to meta, flag it or email me. Stop clogging up the blue and I will do the same, thanks. posted by longbaugh at 3:23 AM on July 7, 2005
The 90 number comes from Reuters - only from the Algate explosion. posted by laukf at 3:25 AM on July 7, 2005
Does "casualties" mean deaths? I really fucking hope not posted by ZippityBuddha at 3:26 AM on July 7, 2005
Does "casualties" mean deaths? I really fucking hope not
No, it means injured people - i.e. anyone from the walking wounded to the dead. posted by chill at 3:27 AM on July 7, 2005
I have to say from reports on the radio, it sounds like the emergency services plan is working fantastically efficiently - I have images of big red buses ferrying the non-seriously injured to hospitals. posted by altolinguistic at 3:27 AM on July 7, 2005
This is a sad day. posted by TwelveTwo at 3:27 AM on July 7, 2005
is it just me or are reports all over the place? posted by lemonfridge at 3:28 AM on July 7, 2005
Royal London (big East London hospital) now closed for anything but emergencies, due to the number of injuries. posted by normy at 3:28 AM on July 7, 2005
TV is now saying 6 confirmed explosions - 3 in buses in Russell Square and 3 in the tube network.
altolinguistic, the TV is showing almost exactly that - big white buses ferrying people to hospital. posted by dg at 3:28 AM on July 7, 2005
Police confirm at least 2 killed - direct from BBC News 24, numerous wounded. posted by longbaugh at 3:28 AM on July 7, 2005
Any bloggers posting pictures yet?
My thoughts with all of you in the area posted by ajbattrick at 3:29 AM on July 7, 2005
90 casualties at just one station? Jesus. posted by LeeJay at 3:29 AM on July 7, 2005
Arab sources monitoring Al Q indicate that they are responsible according to BBC Security correspondent. posted by longbaugh at 3:30 AM on July 7, 2005
BBC World Service TV news just said that "sources monitoring the Arab news services" are saying that Al Qaeda is liley involved. posted by zaelic at 3:31 AM on July 7, 2005
Local TV reports sources close to islamic terrorist claim Al Quaeda did the strike. IRA denies any responsability. posted by elpapacito at 3:31 AM on July 7, 2005
friends of mine are locked in their workplaces in london and brighton. nobody allowed out or in posted by quarsan at 3:32 AM on July 7, 2005
BBC: "Arab sources say it's Al Qaeda" posted by fire&wings at 3:32 AM on July 7, 2005
lemonfridge - of course reports are all over the place - how else could it be? Any reporter close enough to be on the scene will be relying on what she saw herself, plus what people around her saw, which is little more than rumour, really. The police don't have the whole picture, yet. THe Home SEcretary is making an announcement at 12.15. posted by altolinguistic at 3:33 AM on July 7, 2005
(with due regard for the disparate but iconic status of al-Qaeda, I woudn't place too much faith in that yet.) posted by NinjaPirate at 3:34 AM on July 7, 2005
Sky News have some pictures, I presume taken with cell phones.
The BBC were showing five explosions on the tube and one on a bus, (One of Sky's pictures is of half a bus), but the Beeb's graphic now shows six at tube stations and one for the bus. posted by Mr Bismarck at 3:34 AM on July 7, 2005
Radio was a waste of time, no reception. Please keep the info coming; with links where possible. posted by nthdegx at 3:34 AM on July 7, 2005
Are they still talking about three buses. Or is it just one confirmed? posted by LeeJay at 3:35 AM on July 7, 2005
BBC eyewitness reports here and here. posted by fuzz at 3:37 AM on July 7, 2005
altolinguistic, i have friends there. im just panicking, and need more information. posted by lemonfridge at 3:38 AM on July 7, 2005
Six London explosions confirmed by Police:
King's Cross
Aldgate
Edgware Road
Liverpool Street
Moorgate
(tube stations)
and a bus at Tavistock Square. posted by normy at 3:38 AM on July 7, 2005
Suggestions that the confirmed bus explosion was a "Tourist Bus" posted by NinjaPirate at 3:38 AM on July 7, 2005
Blair to address the nation at 1200 London Time ; Blair allegedly to remain in Scotland posted by elpapacito at 3:38 AM on July 7, 2005
Our TV reports are saying there are 6 confirmed blasts - 3 in the tube network and 3 on buses in Russell Square. posted by dg at 3:39 AM on July 7, 2005
theres gonna be a televised statement from Blair at midday. any chance someone could snag it and get it online? I cant get out of the office, and no one else here seems interested. posted by lemonfridge at 3:45 AM on July 7, 2005
It's amazing the difference a day makes. Yesterday London and the rest of the country was on such a high after winning the Olympics, and now it's plunged into a sickening low. posted by chill at 3:45 AM on July 7, 2005
I'm in Canary Wharf, the DLR isn't running into the city and phones are jammed solid. I'm meant to be heading north back to Yorkshire tonight, via Kings Cross - I guess I'm stuck down here.
Security at Canary Wharf is a lot higher than usual, but no bangs yet. posted by hardcode at 3:46 AM on July 7, 2005
I work off Tottenham Court Road, not far from Russell Square - we heard a big bang earlier which we realise now was the bus exploding.
We've all been told to stay inside and not to leave the building unless absolutely necessary. posted by kitschbitch at 3:46 AM on July 7, 2005
My friend got in touch via SMS - but she's at home, and lives south of the river, so I'm not sure what this says about mobile networks generally.
lemonfridge - sorry, was being a bit too neutral and objective. I hope your friends are ok. Report on radio just said that mobile networks are back up. posted by altolinguistic at 3:47 AM on July 7, 2005
this pic doesn't look like a tourist bus, looks like a modern closed double decker. Horrible. posted by derbs at 3:47 AM on July 7, 2005
I've spoken to a couple of folks back in Brighton (mobiles OK) and no explosions heard. posted by i_cola at 3:47 AM on July 7, 2005
Well there's constant sirens going past my window as we live on a major route to Kings Cross and Euston.
Us Brits are rather used to bombs so this seems to be being dealt with calmly. posted by dodgygeezer at 3:49 AM on July 7, 2005
Right, it definitely seems to be 90 casualties, not fatalties. posted by nthdegx at 3:49 AM on July 7, 2005
Blackfriars area is at a standstill. Just sitting tight here at work and waiting for any updates. Both land line and mobile networks are overloaded, but texting seems to work ok. posted by Optamystic at 3:49 AM on July 7, 2005
That could be a tourist bus - some of them have closed tops. posted by dodgygeezer at 3:50 AM on July 7, 2005
All is well, so far, in Notting Hill. One friend unaccounted for. posted by donfactor at 3:50 AM on July 7, 2005
(caveat: report was from an American tourist, an eyewitness.
Unlike other cities, the classic bus in London has become a design icon; several have been bought after their public life and used as tourist busses for the extra "authenticity") posted by NinjaPirate at 3:50 AM on July 7, 2005
With a big security focus in Scotland, an 'ideal' time for terrorists to hit London. posted by i_cola at 3:51 AM on July 7, 2005
A Vodaphone spokesman on the radio seemed to imply the networks were working at capacity and were prioritising emergency calls, not that they had been shut down for security reasons. posted by Hartster at 3:51 AM on July 7, 2005
May I make a suggestion? Let's keep the noise and comments to a minimum on this thread and allow those MeFites in London and those who need to contact loved ones to use the thread to communicate while the phones are down for the next couple of hours... posted by zaelic at 3:53 AM on July 7, 2005
Sky News have some pictures, I presume taken with cell phones.
Intriguingly, people with picture taking mobile phones have just been blamed on Radio 5 Live for delays in evacuating some stations. posted by vbfg at 3:53 AM on July 7, 2005
Have they released any footage from London's numerous security cameras? posted by PenDevil at 3:53 AM on July 7, 2005
6 tube station hit, buses hit number raises to 3 , total 9 targets. Police advising people to remain at home if possible. posted by elpapacito at 3:54 AM on July 7, 2005
Mobile networks have not been switched off at all - priority has been given to emergency services, which means it's nigh on impossible to make a voice call, but SMS gets through fine.
A quarter mile from Liverpool St, things are fairly quiet apart from almost continuous sirens and many helicopters overhead.
From a confidential source, there are strong rumours of contact from the terrorist organisation(s), but there's no confirmation on this yet.
Reuters and BBC seem to have the most reliable news - others (especially Sky) seem to be speculating wildly. posted by daveg at 3:54 AM on July 7, 2005
For fuck's sake, people. GOD DOES NOT EXIST. It's blatently obvious with even the slightest grasp of reasoning. Fuck the fuck off with your bombs and such.
Islamists did this . posted by shoos at 3:54 AM on July 7, 2005
And naturally, there's not a single goddamned word of any of this on my local news stateside.
Fucking goddamn sock puppets are talking about sports while all hell breaks loose across the ocean. "Pay no attention to your internet. Nothing is wrong."
"We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire... Neither the sudden shock of battle nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down."
This link is a BBC realplayer news thingy, on the bottom left hand side there's a link to an eyewitness report. Sorry, I can't seem to permalink it. posted by gsb at 3:56 AM on July 7, 2005
Reports of a suicide bomber been shot at Canary Wharf. (A visiting supplier with offices there has just rec'd a report from a wok colleague via Blackberry) posted by i_cola at 3:56 AM on July 7, 2005
European people with satellite dish pointed on 13° East (Hotbird) can watch total coverage by BBC World on transponder frequency 12597000 , Vertical Polarization symbol rate 27500. It seems to be free-2-air visible with no subscription needed. posted by elpapacito at 3:59 AM on July 7, 2005
Forgive my geographic ignorance, but how far away is London from the area of Scotland where the G8 meetings are going on? posted by XQUZYPHYR at 4:00 AM on July 7, 2005
XQUZYPHYR - a long way - 400 miles plus posted by jontyjago at 4:01 AM on July 7, 2005
BBC Text Only. Take's some strain off their servers which must be getting killed. posted by PenDevil at 4:01 AM on July 7, 2005
almost entirely opposite ends of the slab of land. scotland is north, london is in the south. maps.google.co.uk should show it nicely. posted by lemonfridge at 4:02 AM on July 7, 2005
BLAIR: reasonably clear these attacks designed to interact with G8.
Blair to leave G8 and return to London posted by elpapacito at 4:03 AM on July 7, 2005
Blair's live statement: Confirms terrorist attack. G8 meeting will continue. He looked upset and emotional. posted by normy at 4:03 AM on July 7, 2005
Blair says it's "reasonably clear" that this is a terrorist attack. posted by Cobbler at 4:04 AM on July 7, 2005
I've just got in to work, having been dumped out at Kings Cross. I saw a few people coming out looking very shell shocked and covered in soot. I picked the wrong day to leave my mobile phone at home as well - my family was distraught! Fortunately all my friends who work in London are OK. posted by viama at 4:05 AM on July 7, 2005
Latest word: group claims responsibility, says Denmark and Italy are next if they don't pull troops out. posted by Civil_Disobedient at 4:05 AM on July 7, 2005
(Er, radical Islamist group, if that wasn't assumed). posted by Civil_Disobedient at 4:06 AM on July 7, 2005
Hold fast, London." Thanks, Civ... Appreciated. posted by nthdegx at 4:06 AM on July 7, 2005
Well Blair's statement was the usual collection of tics and twitches in a desperate attempt to convey emotion. Oh and he got in a plug for relieving debt and Kyoto - WTF? posted by dodgygeezer at 4:07 AM on July 7, 2005
Can anyone confirm sms is working in central London? I'm trying to get through to one of my best friends. posted by Tarrama at 4:09 AM on July 7, 2005
It's difficult to confirm anything - it has worked, but SMS isn't the most reliable delivery mechanism, even at the best of times. Hang tight. posted by benzo8 at 4:09 AM on July 7, 2005
SMS is OK on T-Mobile, at least from here in Leicester Square. posted by Cobbler at 4:10 AM on July 7, 2005
Yes, Tarrama, it is. Keep trying. posted by nthdegx at 4:10 AM on July 7, 2005
I'm not having any luck sms-ing central London, so don't think it's working across the board. posted by nihotaniwha at 4:10 AM on July 7, 2005
I agree that this has to be G8-related and has nothing to do with the 2012 games. Until yesterday morning most of the world thought Paris was going to win the Olympic bid, and if this is a terrorist act, which there seems to be no other possibility at this point, then there's no way it could have been suddenly planned and pulled off in less than 24 hours. posted by XQUZYPHYR at 4:10 AM on July 7, 2005
There is a report that the bus explosion was caused by a suicide bomber - if true, the first suicide bomber to ever strike in London.
Does Al Qaeda really have an interest in striking during G8? Surely this would be the time when the security forces would be MOST at their guard. It's a terrible indictment on our security forces that an attack on this scale could be pulled off.
I'm a Londoner, but safe - in case anyone is wondering! posted by skylar at 4:10 AM on July 7, 2005
BBC: "Ongoing rescue operation" in Underground tunnel near King's Cross. posted by normy at 4:12 AM on July 7, 2005
Times like this I wish I had a TV... Blair sounded emotional on the radio, though. Report of suicide bomber causing one of the bus explosions (in Tavistock Sq, where I lived for a while - student residences) posted by altolinguistic at 4:12 AM on July 7, 2005
Apparently there's a website with a 200 word statement from European Jihadists taking responsibility.
I'd just like to commend BBC worldTV service. They do a damn fine job and there's little to nil tabloidesque bullshit floating through. They report well.
We haven't heard from my neice yet but she's a nurse. So she's either still drunk and asleep from last night's celebrations or else working. We worry not.
7 confirmed blasts by Scotland Yard. posted by peacay at 4:12 AM on July 7, 2005
I've been texting people in Soho (UK mob) & the City (Japanese mob). posted by i_cola at 4:13 AM on July 7, 2005
We've been briefed in the office that preparations are being made to accomodate staff overnight should the transport system still be out of action and that is looking increasingly likely. posted by greatneb at 4:13 AM on July 7, 2005
Guardian: 12:12 - There are now reports of an explosion in Leicester Square. posted by anagrama at 4:13 AM on July 7, 2005
I'm in Leicester Square. No explosion. posted by Cobbler at 4:15 AM on July 7, 2005
Tarrama: Can anyone confirm sms is working in central London?
I can't contact a friend via text (I'm on Orange, she's on Vodaphone) but we are in touch via MSN Messenger. It looks like it's partly working but it's not everywhere yet. posted by vbfg at 4:15 AM on July 7, 2005
The security services are at their guard -- in Scotland! There's 11,000 bored cops up here, and I've seen them pull cars over just for a nosy. There's a whole lot of Met police here too (you can tell by the hats), so I imagine this is the perfect time to strike at London. posted by bonaldi at 4:16 AM on July 7, 2005
We've been told that the company have made enquiries about hotel rooms for staff, and so far they have... 3. For 6000+ staff... it's going to be a cosy night in that hotel. posted by hardcode at 4:16 AM on July 7, 2005
I'd say this has a lot to do with G8, not least because a huge amount (10k + officers I think) of specialist Metropolitan and Greater Manchester Police units are in Scotland all this week. posted by fire&wings at 4:16 AM on July 7, 2005
"Tony Blair is to fly to London, describing the attacks in the capital as barbaric terrorist attacks timed to coincide with the G8 summit." posted by viama at 4:16 AM on July 7, 2005
The area around King's Cross, where I work, is completely sealed off, but I was able to get across to Senate House (just off Russell Square) without difficulty.
At 9.30 people were talking about a 'power failure' on the Underground; then there was some talk of a bus crash at Aldgate. It didn't seem very important. When I got to Euston at about 10 o'clock, there were crowds of people milling about, and the mood was one of puzzlement more than anything else. Then the word 'terrorism' was mentioned, and suddenly it all started to seem a lot more serious. 'What's going on?' I asked a policewoman. 'I can't really tell you', she said. 'Well, where's the centre of events?' 'There is no centre -- it's all over London.' At that point I did start to panic slightly.
Upstairs in the Institute of Historical Research, however, there is a mood of Zen-like calm and tranquillity, and the gentleman at the desk behind me is reading a volume of Elizabethan state papers. Trust historians to take the long view .. posted by verstegan at 4:17 AM on July 7, 2005
I would recommend that people leave off the mobile phones right now. They're not working and are being prioritised for emergencies. Allow people who really need them to use them. Landlines seem to be working much better. Get inside your home or office and use the landline.
I'm here in the heart of the City and things are okay. A little spooky with the grey skies and the lack of buses, but people seem fine. posted by skylar at 4:17 AM on July 7, 2005
> says Denmark and Italy are next if they don't pull troops out.
Oh fuckity fuck. Not sure what Danish plans were but Italy had already announced months ago that it would be gradually pulling out troops starting September. If that is a real announcement, then they're thinking of some "clever timing" like for Madrid - Spain had already decided to pull out troops (and most likely also to vote for Zapatero), but the terrorists were able to claim both things as outcomes of their actions.
Maybe it's best not to give credit to any claims before they're confirmed. I really can't stand this kind of speculation.
My thoughts go out to all Londoners, good to see people coping and staying calm. Relatively speaking. posted by funambulist at 4:18 AM on July 7, 2005
Gosh, we were going to go into Holborn but I lost my glasses..
The emergency services seem to be doing great thankfully - this reminds me of back when I went to school in central london during the IRA things :( posted by Mossy at 4:19 AM on July 7, 2005
verstegan, thanks for making me smile. posted by peacay at 4:20 AM on July 7, 2005
While this is a terrible disaster, it is worth noting that as yet *touch wood*, the fatalities and destruction have been far less than many of the IRA bombings in years past, and indeed other Al Qaeda attacks...
BTW I believe that *all* transport is down in London, and buses are down in zone 1. Also, a friend at the office who managed to get into work said that you can't walk along Hungerford Bridge (or at least that was true a couple of hours ago). posted by adrianhon at 4:20 AM on July 7, 2005
Surely this is an Olympic related thing. London's bid was based on security, if hey were gonna hit the G8, they would would have hit live8.
What's to say there aren't cells in Paris, Moscow, that just packed up, went to sleep, what-ever the fuck you call.
Unite against the Fuck Heads people. posted by Good Sir Johnny at 4:20 AM on July 7, 2005
Just to add to what quarsan and kitschbitch said, BBC staff in Central London have been asked to stay in the buildings until further notice and the company my gilfriend works for (near Victoria St.) has issued a similar warning to their staff. I guess there's been some sort of general warning from the Met in that sense. posted by blogenstock at 4:21 AM on July 7, 2005
funambulist wrote: "Spain had already decided to pull out troops (and most likely also to vote for Zapatero), but the terrorists were able to claim both things as outcomes of their actions."
Sorry, this is untrue. posted by benzo8 at 4:22 AM on July 7, 2005
Haven't seen these numbers posted yet--people may find this useful, if they can get through on the phones.
British Transport Police casualty enquiry 0208 358 0101
Casualty Bureau Number for Missing Persons 0870 156 6344
"This is live, but you will only get a recorded message while the bureau is set up." (LJ community)
There is also a Livejournal community set up for networking, contacting relatives in other countries, and news sharing.
Thoughts and prayers. posted by calistasm at 4:22 AM on July 7, 2005
i think the number of confirmed deaths is currently low because they have only just started evacuating and rescuing people inside the tunnels. one eye witness report mentioned that there were bodies all over the tracks.
lets just keep our hopes high and be strong.
(and yes, I thought Live8 was a more obvious target too) posted by lemonfridge at 4:23 AM on July 7, 2005
I'm right in Holborn. It's spooky seeing a grand total of zero buses on Holborn Viaduct. posted by nthdegx at 4:24 AM on July 7, 2005
This isn't Olympics, it's G8 - the earlier poster was right - a lot of London's police have been diverted to Scotland so it's a good time to strike. But the security services have to take responsibility here too because surely this is an utterly predictable possibility. London was overdue for a terrorist attack... we all knew it was coming sooner or later.
Big love to my fellow London City dwellers. posted by skylar at 4:24 AM on July 7, 2005
lemonfridge: Yeah, what's underground is the worry at the moment. I have scores of friends in London, less than half of whom I've managed to track down and I'm probably undoing the last six months of diet success with nervous eating... posted by benzo8 at 4:25 AM on July 7, 2005
Surely this is an Olympic related thing. London's bid was based on security, if hey were gonna hit the G8, they would would have hit live8.
I don't imaging that the terrorists had bombs lined up in all five potential Olympic cities and then only set them off in the one that won, especially considering the city that has been hit wasn't the favourite by any stretch of the imagination.
This has everything to do with G8 and a major part of London's security forces being at the other end of the country dealing with that.
These people need an island to meet on. I hear Alcatraz is sadly underused these days. posted by vbfg at 4:26 AM on July 7, 2005
London Ambulance Service "will only respond to life-threatening emergencies" (BBC). posted by normy at 4:27 AM on July 7, 2005
FTSE has dropped 3.5% so far... posted by i_cola at 4:27 AM on July 7, 2005
Not sure if I should post this as it could be scaremongering or wrong, but a friend told me this:
"From BBC Monitoring
We have just located on Al-Qal'ah website a 200-word statement issued by Tanzim Qa'idat al-Jihad in Europe claiming responsibility for London bombings. We are processing statement at immediate precedence."
more info on that:
http://www.tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=4416
http://library.nps.navy.mil/home/tgp/qjbr.htm posted by sam and rufus at 4:27 AM on July 7, 2005
Tony Blair came across as quite affected by the events during his speech on the situation. In fact, I felt his speech was quite heartfelt.
Our thoughts are with everyone in London at this terrible time. posted by davem at 4:28 AM on July 7, 2005
The bus that blew up was a number 30 bus, not a tourist bus (from the TFL website) posted by daveg at 4:29 AM on July 7, 2005
Best wishes to any and all with friends, family, and selves in the London area.
Tony Blair's not being the strong leader we need now. Still trying to track down two friends... posted by runkelfinker at 4:30 AM on July 7, 2005
Well Blair's statement was the usual collection of tics and twitches in a desperate attempt to convey emotion.
Looked genuine to me.
My thoughts and sympathies to all Londoners. posted by pardonyou? at 4:30 AM on July 7, 2005
report on the popbitch board of someone who got off the russel square bus the stop before it blew up and said it was packed, which isn't surprising at that time of the day. Pictures on sky news show the roof of the double decker about thrity foot from the wreckage, definitely not a tourist bus. If the report on pb is true then likely to be many casualties there.
LU workers this morning were adamant (when they kicked us off the station at Finchley rd) that it was just a power surge, which I assume was a very cool and clever way of making sure people didn't panic. posted by ciderwoman at 4:31 AM on July 7, 2005
That first link of sam and rufus's says they're Zarqawi's group? Surely not. posted by bonaldi at 4:32 AM on July 7, 2005
FTSE has dropped 3.5% so far...
Reckon anyone bought a whole stack of put options on the FTSE recently? posted by Mossy at 4:32 AM on July 7, 2005
Another bomb in Tavistock square. Emergency medical procedures taking place on the platforms of King's Cross. The bus doesn't look like a suicide bomb -which would be huge; cars next to it unscathed.
All mainline trains to the capital suspended.
Army on the street.
Colleagues in london told, get inside, close the windows, don't go out. (2ndary devices?) posted by Pericles at 4:33 AM on July 7, 2005
I thought Blair's speech was really good, and found it very emotionally affecting myself. posted by Hartster at 4:33 AM on July 7, 2005
TFL website also tells that there is free travel on all boat services up the Thames today. This fact cheered me up, for some reason.
Also that the Heathrow Express is accepting tube tickets. How generous. posted by altolinguistic at 4:34 AM on July 7, 2005
True, peacay, BBC world is doing a good job. Unlike other channels they're not even going up with cameras to the wounded for interviews.
- benzo8: look, I'm not going to get into any political discussion, but I'm not making that up. A gradual troops pullout had already been planned before the attacks. It was also Zapatero's position before the attacks to have a full pullout, as his party opposed the war. As for election results of course the impact of the attacks is more debatable since polls showed the two parties were close.
I'm only saying, if they're announcing other attacks in Europe with that same pullout demand, they're timing them well. Again. posted by funambulist at 4:34 AM on July 7, 2005
Where the hell is Ken Livingstone? posted by PenDevil at 4:35 AM on July 7, 2005
Going by previous incidents, that's them finished for the day now surely. posted by bonaldi at 4:35 AM on July 7, 2005
I live just on the periphery of Zone 1, in Islington for those of you that know London. I'm at home right now. I think it's worth saying that life is going on as normal. I just went out to buy milk/bread etc, just in case supplies go low in the next 36 hours, and people are going about as normal. There were even two policemen buying sticky buns in the bakery near my house!
Plus, a number of London buses have been going past my window with passengers on. Granted, these buses don't go right through the centre, but they are operating. posted by ascullion at 4:36 AM on July 7, 2005
Ken is (was) in singapore for the olympic announcement and it has already been announced that he is heading straight back. posted by ciderwoman at 4:37 AM on July 7, 2005
There was just a blurb on CNN that there may have actually only been three explosions on the tube instead of six. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's true. posted by LeeJay at 4:38 AM on July 7, 2005
Our thoughts are with Londoners. And whomever is responsible for this couldn't have picked a worse target-- it's very firmly established that attacks on London only strengthen its citizens resolve. posted by Mayor Curley at 4:39 AM on July 7, 2005
In an earlier report it was indicated that the buses were packed with people that had been turned away from closed tube stations. If they planned to blow up buses full of people who couldn't get into the tube stations because of the chaos there...that is chilling. posted by fire&wings at 4:39 AM on July 7, 2005
Re: Englishness above (moaning about transport etc), it seems in times of crisis Brits revert to their base programming. People here are talking very seriously about going to the pub. posted by nthdegx at 4:40 AM on July 7, 2005
dammit, now my live stream from the BBC has stopped working. But I expect thats due to shoddy Internet at work rather than the beeb. posted by lemonfridge at 4:41 AM on July 7, 2005
PenDevil - probably hungover, like a lot of Londoners. I'm sure I saw a comment by him on the BBC website earlier, but I can't find it now. posted by altolinguistic at 4:41 AM on July 7, 2005
My thoughts and best wishes to everyone affected. posted by OmieWise at 4:41 AM on July 7, 2005
funambulist - you're right that this is not the thread to discuss this in, but we ought to discuss it somewhere, some time. Your profile contains no email - can you drop me a mail (mine is in my profile). posted by benzo8 at 4:41 AM on July 7, 2005
50 people confirmed dead posted by peacay at 4:42 AM on July 7, 2005
"People here are talking very seriously about going to the pub."
It's where we feel safest. posted by Cobbler at 4:42 AM on July 7, 2005
Sky reporting 50 killed in an explosion in Rome. Any Italian members here? posted by Pericles at 4:42 AM on July 7, 2005
Brighton station still closed. Trains stopping at Preston Park (last stop 2 miles b4 Brighton). I'd say that any train travel on a London line is not worth it.
Where the hell is Ken Livingstone?
Singapore.
Flying back from Singapore. Nice welcome for the Olympic bid party :-( posted by i_cola at 4:44 AM on July 7, 2005
BBC confirming fatalities at Edgeware Road. Why would they target an arab-filled area?
Pope and Muslim Council of Britain have condemned the actions. posted by Mossy at 4:44 AM on July 7, 2005
Nthdegx said: it seems in times of crisis Brits revert to their base programming. People here are talking very seriously about going to the pub.
I have to agree - have already received several calls from people suggesting this very course of action. The FTSE may be down, but stocks in breweries are going through the roof! posted by skylar at 4:45 AM on July 7, 2005
Scotland Yard apparently got some sort of pre-warning. They contacted Israeli Embassy warning of possible problems. posted by peacay at 4:45 AM on July 7, 2005
Sky reporting 50 killed in an explosion in Rome. Any Italian members here?
Where did you hear that, peacay? posted by louigi at 4:47 AM on July 7, 2005
One eyewitness on the BBC website stated a security alert caused problems this morning prior to the first explosion - anyone got an idea of that? posted by longbaugh at 4:49 AM on July 7, 2005
Sky reporting 50 killed in an explosion in Rome.
I've just read elsewhere that Italian TV were reporting 50 fatalities in London. May be crossed wires somewhere. posted by anagrama at 4:49 AM on July 7, 2005
Re: warning of Israeli Embassy - just reported that on the news here in Australia (Israeli embassy official). posted by Jimbob at 4:49 AM on July 7, 2005
Sky reported that Italian sources say 50 killed in London, not Rome. Foreign news wires are often much quicker to call numbers as home news services have to be more careful to get it right. posted by ciderwoman at 4:49 AM on July 7, 2005
Source for peacay's comment, but it's only the Mail so far AFAIK. posted by punilux at 4:50 AM on July 7, 2005
it seems in times of crisis Brits revert to their base programming. People here are talking very seriously about going to the pub.
Yep, we're having a luverly cup of tea and a knees-up here on Chancery Lane. posted by bifter at 4:50 AM on July 7, 2005
Scotland Yard have denied being pre-warned by Israel minutes before the blast according to both BBC and Sky news posted by greatneb at 4:50 AM on July 7, 2005
Any back-up of the Brighton and Swindon reports and the shot-dead suicide bomber? Can we dismiss any of these yet? posted by nthdegx at 4:50 AM on July 7, 2005
Most of my office has gone to the pub to watch the cricket (England vs. Australia ODI) posted by daveg at 4:50 AM on July 7, 2005
BBC confirming fatalities at Edgeware Road. Why would they target an arab-filled area?
I would guess that an Arab suicide bomber would look less conspicuous in an area with a heavy Arab population, just as bombers in the West Bank look for recruits that can "blend in" with the Israeli population. Hundreds of Arabs died on 9/11, too; it's safe to say terrorists don't care about what race the people they're killing are. It's why a lot of people think the idea of racial profiling at airports is nonsensical, as the terrorists are smart enough to realize that people who "look like a terrorist" aren't exactly the best picks to carry out terrorist attacks. posted by XQUZYPHYR at 4:51 AM on July 7, 2005
The announcement of 50 dead in London came from Oz SBS British correspondent on TV. They are a good news service. posted by peacay at 4:51 AM on July 7, 2005
I would definitely go to the pub if I was allowed out of the building. posted by Summer at 4:52 AM on July 7, 2005
Brighton, Swindon and Poole stations have been closed as a precautionary measure. Not actual incidents there as of yet. posted by greatneb at 4:53 AM on July 7, 2005
Home Secretary making speech to House of Commons - appears now only 4 bomb blasts - 3 on tube trains and one on bus. posted by prentiz at 4:53 AM on July 7, 2005
Sky reporting 50 killed in an explosion in Rome. Any Italian members here?
WTF? No internet news of that so far, & I work nearby Termini - no explosions here. Vatican City on the other hand, I have no idea.
On preview, I'm gonna guess crossed wires. posted by romakimmy at 4:54 AM on July 7, 2005
Muslim Council of Britain have cond[emns] the actions
Now that really is news. Are you sure? posted by ParisParamus at 4:56 AM on July 7, 2005
mossy, in relation to Edgeware Road - the bomb was on a tube train. Whilst it's easy to speculate that fundamentalist terrorists wouldn't possibly care who/where damage was done, it's just as likely that it was timed rather than set off for the location. In other words, inadvertent. posted by peacay at 4:56 AM on July 7, 2005
If not confirmed by a major news source by now I'd say the shot suicide bomber could be an oh-so-clever hoax. My source has taken most of my dept. to the pub for lunch so I'll see what's said when/if they return. posted by i_cola at 4:57 AM on July 7, 2005
CNN reporting 10 confirmed dead, up to 160 wounded at King's Crossing Station, which they say is one of the busier of the bunch. posted by Clay201 at 4:58 AM on July 7, 2005
Now that really is news. Are you sure?
posted by ParisParamus at 10:26 PM ACST on July 7 [!]
Now that's unexpected as well! posted by Jimbob at 4:59 AM on July 7, 2005
Now that really is news. Are you sure?
posted by ParisParamus at 10:26 PM ACST on July 7 [!]
Now that's unexpected as well! posted by Jimbob at 4:59 AM on July 7, 2005
No report from Rome or rumor or explosions sounds, and I'm in Rome too. It think it's a spurious panic rumor. posted by elpapacito at 4:59 AM on July 7, 2005
Look, take that '50 dead' with a grain of salt. I'm absolutely certain of what I heard. But the BBCTV update are only saying a couple dead as at a minute ago. I'm sorry if I mislead - definitely not intentional. posted by peacay at 5:00 AM on July 7, 2005
The station is King's Cross, not King's Crossing. I think most of the attacks were designed to co-incide with the transport network... the idea of targeting particular races or areas seems a bit far fetched.
It's not exactly panic stations here in the City - while the deaths are absolutely tragic and awful, this is not an attack on the scale of September 11th. posted by skylar at 5:00 AM on July 7, 2005
Muslim Council of Britain have cond[emns] the actions
Now that really is news. Are you sure?
Yes, quite sure. And it's not really news as the Muslim Council have been pretty consistent in condemning all terrorist actions. Unless you're being sarcastic and it's going over my head. Or you're misreading it for condoned. posted by Hartster at 5:00 AM on July 7, 2005
Muslim Council of Britain have cond[emns] the actions
Now that really is news. Are you sure?
posted by ParisParamus at 12:56 PM GMT on July 7
Well this Muslim in London condemns the actions. And you too for being such a prick. posted by zarex at 5:00 AM on July 7, 2005
I just read the Blair transcript:
"It's important, however, that those engaged in terrorism realize that our determination to defend our values and our way of life is greater than their determination to cause death and destruction to innocent people in a desire to impose extremism on the world."
It reads well to me. I am sure any emotion he is displaying is genuine. posted by nthdegx at 5:00 AM on July 7, 2005
In response to the statement issued by the authors of this horror, for every fatality, the UK should send 100 additional troops to Afghanistan, and 100 additional to Iraq. posted by ParisParamus at 5:00 AM on July 7, 2005
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