Monday’s attacks near the finishing line left at least three people dead and over 100 injured.  

Investigations are underway after two explosions near the finishing line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15, 2013, left three people dead and at least 140 injured. One of the dead was an eight-year-old boy. The BBC yesterday, April 16, 2013 reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigations, FBI had taken over co-ordination of what was described as a potential terrorist inquiry.

The explosions went off about two hours after the winners had completed the race. TV footage showed bloodied runners and spectators being treated at the scene and the road strewn with debris, Sky News said. Boston police later said officers were working round the clock to unmask the masterminds of the attacks. At least 17 people were critically wounded while injuries included several cases of amputation.

In a televised address, President Barack Obama vowed to bring those behind the attacks to justice. According to The New York Times, almost three-quarters of the 23,000 runners had already crossed the finishing line when a bomb that had apparently been placed in a garbage can exploded about 2:50 pm near a crowd of spectators on Boylston Street, just off Copley Square in the heart of the city.

Thirteen seconds later, another bomb exploded several hundred feet away. Witnesses said pandemonium broke out as panicky runners and spectators scattered and rescue workers rushed in to care for dozens of seriously injured people, some of who lost legs in the blast. Officials in New York and Washington immediately stepped up security at important locations as the Secret Service cordoned off Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House. British police yesterday said they were reviewing security plans for this Sunday's London Marathon, the next major international marathon.