London Underground Train Blast Being Treated as Terrorism
An "improvised explosive device" was detonated on a Tube in south-west London.
Police are calling the detonation of an "improvised explosive device" on a Tube in south-west London an act of terrorism.
The blast, which happened at Parsons Green station on an eastbound District Lane train from Wimbledon, occurred at 8:20 a.m. local time injuring commuters, ensuing panic and disrupting service.
Authorities immediately responded to the scene and beefed up security around the transit system, as hundred of police officers and detectives combed the scene for clues.
"This was a detonation of an improves explosive device," Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley of the Metropolitan Police said at a news conference. He urged anyone who had seen what happened, or had taken photos or videos of the bombing to come forward.
According to police and a local hospital, 22 were injured in the blast and in the panic that came after. All are expected to survive and are being treated for various wounds, including burns and lacerations. Hospital officials described all of the injured as "walking wounded."
In a video that has been widely circulated online, the remainder of the "improvised device" is seen. It shows a white bucket inside a bag, with wires and flames coming out of it.
This marks the fifth major terrorist attack in Britain this year, following a vehicle and knife attack near Parliament in March, a suicide bombing at a rock concert in Manchester in May, a van and knife attack around London Bridge and a van attack outside a London Mosque, both in June.