Runners Still In Shock After Boston Marathon Bombings
BOSTON (KDKA) – Police are still investigating after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday.
The bombs went off about a block from each other on Boylston Street and today, officials announced that only two bombs were involved and they found no other unexploded bombs.
KDKA-TV's Andy Sheehan ran the Boston Marathon and finished minutes before the explosions went off.
Today, Boylston Street was blocked off by members of the National Guard and a 20-block area had been declared as a crime scene by the FBI.
Sheehan said he had just finished the marathon and was about 200 to 300 yards beyond the finish line when the bombs went off. He felt a tremendous percussive explosion rock the streets and buildings.
On Tuesday, he spoke with several runners who had the same experience.
It's a city that was transformed in a matter of seconds from one of jubilant celebration into a war zone.
"It was an experience to remember and then you are left with this sorrow," Tess Nunley said.
Nunley finished the race and her husband had just left the spot where the second bomb went off. Had she come in about 10 minutes slower, he would have been in the middle of the danger.
"Very fortunate, very blessed. Just a terrible situation," Grant Nunley said.
Runners were checking out this morning from the Boston Sheraton, while outside a police presence continued to check cars and buildings. Flags also flew at half-staff.
"It went from what I consider one of the happiest days to one of the saddest days," Mike Schlitt said.
Mike and his wife, Cindy, had just crossed the finish line when the bombs went off and they saw the same horrific scenes unfold before them.
"There's nothing political about running a marathon. Nothing should happen. This was pure - just act of terror trying to make terror in the minds of people," Schmitt said.
"It's just pretty surreal right now," Karen Schmitt said.
Schmitt spent an hour of worry looking for her son and her husband.
"We got out of there and it was just finding my family," Schmitt said.
That's the experience that many runners had, including Sheehan who was eventually reunited with his son, brother and sister-in-law after about an hour.
RELATED LINKS
3 Dead, At Least 130 Injured In 2 Bombings Near Boston Marathon Finish Line
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