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'A strike against Europe'
07/07/2005 16:21 - (SA)
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| Tube passengers are escorted away from Edgware Road Tube Station in London following an explosion. (Jane Mingay, AP) |
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London - The whole of Europe was in a state of alert on Thursday and transportation systems in major United States cities also were ordered to be vigilant after near simultaneous explosions rocked at least three London subway trains and ripped apart a double-decker bus at the morning rush hour on Thursday.
According to police, at least 40 people were killed and more than 360 people injured.
A visibly shaken British Prime Minister Tony Blair, hosting the G8 leaders in Scotland, declared London had suffered "a series of terrorist attacks" - clearly timed to coincide with the summit - and called it "barbaric."
"Those responsible have no respect for human life. We are united in our resolve to confront and defeat this terrorism that is not an attack on one nation but on all nations and on civilized people everywhere," said Blair, flanked by G8 leaders, as he read a statement before departing for London. Home Secretary Charles Clarke, Britain's top law enforcement officer, confirmed four explosions: three on the subway system and one on the bus in Russell Square near the British Museum. He said there were "terrible injuries" but did not give a toll.
United States President George W Bush said in Scotland that Americans offered their "heartfelt condolences."
"The war on terror goes on," he said. "We will not yield to these people, we will not yield to the terrorists."
Mayor Ken Livingstone, in Singapore for London's successful OIympic bid, called the blasts "mass murder" carried out by terrorists bent on "indiscriminate ... slaughter." The explosions sent stocks plummeting in Europe. The British pound fell to $1.7443, from US$1.7567 in late trading Wednesday.
Jay Kumar, owner of a news agent near the site of the bus blast in Russell Square, said he ran out of his shop when he heard a loud explosion. He said the top deck of the bus collapsed, sending people tumbling to the floor.
Many appeared badly injured, and bloodied people ran from the scene.
Italy's European commissioner was quoted as saying by Italian news agencies that the explosions were a terrorist strike against Europe.
"What has happened is the tragic confirmation that terrorism strikes once more at the heart of Europe," Franco Frattini was reported as saying by the Apcom and ANSA news agencies.
"It's necessary to immediately activate co-ordination between intelligence and police services and offer England all the help possible," Frattini, Europe's commissioner for justice and home affairs, was quoted as saying.
Queen Elizabeth II said in a message distributed by Buckingham Palace: "The dreadful events in London this morning have deeply shocked us all."
At the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI said in a statement that he deplored the attacks, calling them "barbaric acts against humanity," and said he was praying for the families of the victims.
- AP
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