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Three dead in Boston Marathon explosions

Cape Region runners are safe
April 15, 2013

Shortly before 3 p.m., local reports from Boston say two explosions blasted the area near the finish line of the 117th annual Boston Marathon.

Breaking news reports are saying the explosion killed three people and injured more than 100 others.

A third explosion was reported at John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston around 4:20 p.m. and could be related, according to a police official during a broadcast news conference.

What should have been a time for finish-line celebration turned into mayhem when two explosions went off about five hours after the marathon stepped off.

Rehoboth Beach runner Jack Vassalotti was in Boston today supporting marathon runners from the Cape Region. He said he was standing about a block away when the first explosion went off.

"I can't say I ever heard anything that loud," he said.

He had just finished congratulating Rehoboth runner Linda Schwartz Chi when he heard the blast. About a minute later, there was another explosion, he said.

"I tried to stay close to the barricade where I was," Vassalotti said. "Marathon people were telling us to stay calm."

While many runners had completed the 26.2-mile race, Vassalotti said some were still on the course, which was redirected to keep runners away from the bomb site.  According to police reports, buses were sent out to pick up runners who have not finished the race.

Just before 4 p.m., Vassalotti said police were closing streets and keeping people away from the blast site as they worked to make sure no other explosive devices were in the area. Boston police are seeking anyone who has video of the finish line.

Other area runners include Mary Beth Evans, who finished in 3:42:47 and Brandt Chi, who finished in 3:06:08. Chris Schultz, son of local runners Dan and Jo Ann Schultz of Lewes, is also safe. Schultz finished in 3:09. Local runner Linda Reck is also safe, Evans said.

 

 

 

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