Blasts Hit Bombay Rails.

I have been getting some emails, so I will be putting this up. It looks like seven bombs have torn apart several communter trains in and near Bombay, India, killing what news sources are saying is up to 60 people. Hindustan news is not responding; here is Bangkok Post:

New Delhi (dpa) - At least 23 people were killed and many others injured as a series of seven bombs exploded on the rail network of the western Indian city of Mumbai on Tuesday.

Mumbai Police Commissioner AN Roy told the CNN-IBN network that 23 people were killed in the blasts that took place inside first-class compartments of commuter trains and platforms near the Matunga, Mahim, Bandra, Khar, Jogeshwari, Borivali and Mira Road suburban stations, located in the western express suburb of the city.

The blasts were timed to inflict maximum fatalities during the rush-hour when people were on their way home from work.

There was commotion at the railway stations as injured people cried for help near trains that had been ripped apart by the blasts.

The death toll was likely to go up, as several bodies were lying on the train tracks.

Roy said, "Right now it is not possible for us to give the number of fatalities. We are busy rushing the injured to the hospitals and removing the dead."

All train services in the city were brought to a halt and stations were immediately cordoned after the explosions.

The national capital, New Delhi and other major cities have been placed on high alert, the network reported.

The Indian Home Ministry denied any link between the series of grenade explosions in the northern Jammu and Kashmir state that claimed seven lives and the blasts in Mumbai.

The explosions brought back memories of the March 1993 serial blasts that left over 250 people dead.

Caitlin is in Bombay. I have just spoken to her. She is reporting that the scene is in chaos and that there is liely more deaths coming. She is making her way to her friend's house where she is staying, but has become separated from him. She sounds okay, but rather shook up.

The bombings took place around 6:30 PM local time, or about 8:00 EST and seem to have targeted first class coaches on the trains.

The Times is now reporting over 100 dead.

I am feeling a bit crazy right now.

UPDATE: I have to get to work, so I will not be near a computer on which I can post. I'll update as soon as I hear anything else.

UPDATE II: We have just spoken to Caitlin's friend, who is waiting for her at a designated spot. He has spoken to her about twenty minutes ago, but now the cell phones are out, and she is somewhere in traffic. He will call as soon as he finds her.

Just got a text. She's in traffic, as Kafeel has said, but okay.

UPDATE III: I only have a minute. Caitlin has finally made it to her friend after three hours in traffic. At one point, she said that the cars just stopped and everybody exited their vehicles and stayed in the street.

Thans to everybody who has expressed their concerns and sent messages and prayers. Our thoughts go to those who have been killed or injured. I am especially thinking of Swaraaj Chauhan, of The Moderate Voice, who is one his way to Mumbai tomorrow morning.

Comments

[Dave Schuler]

Glad to hear she's okay, Dan. I'll say a quick prayer or two for yer.

[anugraha]

wht was the reason for this ?????
i think the people now don't have any feelings.....
i think animals are better than humans.....
why do all this ....
can't we for once hav peace........