Explosion at Liverpool Street

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4659093.stm

"Power failure"

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:45 (twenty years ago)

There were all these non-bus people on the bus this morning claiming that the Northern Line was down. Would this be why?

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:47 (twenty years ago)

Radio 1 reporting news of a second explosion?

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:48 (twenty years ago)

You got there just before me... no idea how big this is, but is everyone alright?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4659093.stm

Tube warning after 'bang' heard

Emergency services have been called to London's Liverpool Street Underground station after reports of an explosion.
The incident has caused major disruption to the entire network with stations across the capital closed.

A London Fire Brigade spokeswoman said four crews were at the scene and more were on their way. There are reports of "walking wounded".

Cordons are in place. A power failure may be behind the problems, Transport for London said.

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:48 (twenty years ago)

Piecing together the experiences of people in my office, it seems there was a power failure which screwed up some stations including King's Cross and Liverpool Street. Then there was an explosion because of the power failure at Liverpool Street and then they decided to shut everything.

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:52 (twenty years ago)

tube derailed by mice sized rats fed up with being shaken awake

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:52 (twenty years ago)

Second explosion at King's Cross - co-worker was walking right past it and has just called in...

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:53 (twenty years ago)

Oh god. Is it the "decades of underinvestment" packing in, or it is a terrorist attack?

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:54 (twenty years ago)

could this be the tube reacting to olympic success?

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:54 (twenty years ago)

Not wanting to scaremonger, but the timing is suspicious. Hope its a power failure.

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:55 (twenty years ago)

There've been power failures before but I don't remember them causing explosions

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:56 (twenty years ago)

I think I might have heard the KX explosion. There was a big bang a few minutes ago that I assumed was just the builders next door, but it could equally have been something going off in KX.

RickyT (RickyT), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:56 (twenty years ago)

yes and second bang makes it sound a bit dodgy

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:56 (twenty years ago)

No, the timing makes me think it's not a terrorist attack, as they would have timed it earlier for maximum carnage. Ugh, I feel sick.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:57 (twenty years ago)

Sirens on the Caledonian Road.

RickyT (RickyT), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:57 (twenty years ago)

fuckin nora, let's hope it's a power failure -- but three explosions now (edgware road, kc, l'pool st).

N_RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:58 (twenty years ago)

The explosions are now being officially blamed on a power surge, but the entire London underground has been closed.

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 07:59 (twenty years ago)

yowser.

N_RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:00 (twenty years ago)

reports of walking wounded and one person seriously hurt on bbc now

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:01 (twenty years ago)

oops bbc website

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:01 (twenty years ago)

Can everyone from London check in on this thread, please?

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:01 (twenty years ago)

Cabbie on 5 Live said he'd heard 30 dead but no idea if that's true

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:02 (twenty years ago)

checking in.

this is why i take the bus to work.

Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:02 (twenty years ago)

News 24 says 4 explosions, one at Oldgate road.

Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:02 (twenty years ago)

Oh snapples

LeCoq (LeCoq), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:03 (twenty years ago)

shit

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:04 (twenty years ago)

here.

bbc website now slowed to crawl.

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:04 (twenty years ago)

sky news reporting that a bus has exploded

slb, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:04 (twenty years ago)

I'm fine and so is Chris

One rumour is that two metropolitan trains crashed, but that wouldn't explain multiple 'explosions'

Vicky (Vicky), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:04 (twenty years ago)

I'm OK and Ed took the bus to work.

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:04 (twenty years ago)

Eyewitness Paul Woloszyn from BBC News, who was at Blackhorse Road station on the Victoria Line, said: ""We were told there was a bomb at Liverpool Street station.

"I was on the Tube, and they stopped the train and told everyone to get off an evacuated the station."

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:06 (twenty years ago)

BBC news site now down.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:06 (twenty years ago)

the bus explosion, if true, seems to have occurred outside euston station.

Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:07 (twenty years ago)

fucking hell

i'm ok, toby's in france

colette (a2lette), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:07 (twenty years ago)

Russel Sq explosion too says Sky News

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:08 (twenty years ago)

bbc news site will work fine if you use mozilla or firefox instead of internet explorer

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:08 (twenty years ago)

ITV confirm a bomb on a bus at Tavistock Square.

Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:08 (twenty years ago)

Last report (at 10.02)

People hurt in Tube 'power surge'
King's Cross
Passengers were evacuated from King's Cross station
Several people have been injured after explosions blamed on a power surge led to the whole London Underground network being closed down.

British Transport Police said some of the power surges had caused explosions.

Surges took place at Aldgate, Edgware Road, King's Cross, Old Street and Russell Square stations.

A spokesman said there were "walking wounded" at Liverpool Street station but one person's life was reported to be "at risk".

London Fire Brigade said four crews were at Liverpool Street and more were on their way.

A British Transport Police spokesman said that emergency services were dealing with reports of an explosion at 0849 BST on the Metropolitan Line between Liverpool Street and Aldgate.

One passenger, who had left the Tube at Fenchurch Street Station, and walked to Aldgate East, told BBC Five Live that he saw injured people.

"As I walked through the bus station I could see people lying on the ground, black, as if they'd been covered in smoke. There were about three or four people on the floor being treated."

Eyewitness Paul Woloszyn from BBC News, who was at Blackhorse Road station on the Victoria Line, said: ""We were told there was a bomb at Liverpool Street station.

"I was on the Tube, and they stopped the train and told everyone to get off an evacuated the station."

He said staff had said the entire Tube network had been affected, and leaflets had been handed out with details of alternative bus routes.

Another eyewitness, Dorothy Molloy, had been on a Tube train at King's Cross and said "staff just chucked everyone out of the station".

She said staff there had not given any details, but she said tow passengers she had spoken to had said they had received messages saying there had been bombs.

"People didn't really know what was going on, they were just huffing and puffing and saying how annoying it was," she said.

"People don't seem to be panicked, but there's so many police and ambulances coming into the areas. People are just concerned, and some are just annoyed at the delay."

RickyT (RickyT), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:08 (twenty years ago)

I'm here in Canary Wharf. Quietude round here. Hope you/we are all OK.

Tim (Tim), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:08 (twenty years ago)

Russell i mean
bbc news down for me and I'm on firefox
xxpost

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:08 (twenty years ago)

Just got word from my housemate at TFL that a bus has exploded in Russell Square, Westminster is going a wee bit nuts with sirens and police out on the streets.

MattR (MattR), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:09 (twenty years ago)

pete's in spain btw.

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:09 (twenty years ago)

bus without roof at russel sq, i just heard. these are all rumors, but that's what i heard.

N_RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:10 (twenty years ago)

I'm here. Bloody hell.

marianna lcl (marianna lcl), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:10 (twenty years ago)

Hi all - I'm here (I don't get the tube or bus thankfully). Hope it's mostly unfounded rumour.

Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:11 (twenty years ago)

I'm close enough to Russell Square to have heard it. Fuck, I'm worried about Joe. All I can hear is sirens.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:12 (twenty years ago)

Has anyone not checked in? This is becoming quite scary.

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:12 (twenty years ago)

It appears some pillock part privatised the tube a few years ago and let a bunch of cowboys maintain it. However I remain unconvinced by the simultaneous power surges on different lines story.

News 24 are saying that blasts are now 'major incidents'

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:12 (twenty years ago)

I hope yr all ok down there!

Pashmina (Pashmina), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:13 (twenty years ago)

I'm going out to look.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:13 (twenty years ago)

I can hear sirens too but they could be from anywhere! I'm near Piccadilly so could be there, Leicester Sq, Trafalgar Sq, Whitehall even...

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:14 (twenty years ago)

Check in when you come back Kate!

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:14 (twenty years ago)

Can we not post things like bus explosions on this thread unless we've seen a report, please? Think we should keep this factual for the time being...

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:14 (twenty years ago)

I was at Old Street at 8:55 ish when the power went out there. Everyone evacuated calmly and waited for busses patiently - no one was injured there as far as I knonw. As I rode the bus from there to London Bridge I saw at least 40 police/fire/ambulences going past.

Hope everyone is all right.

marianna, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:15 (twenty years ago)

Bus explosion reported on Sky News website
xpost

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:15 (twenty years ago)

From Guardian Unlimited:

One witness who had been in a train at the time of the explosions reported seeing "bodies everywhere" in the carriages and limbs lying in on the floor.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/transport/Story/0,2763,1523084,00.html

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:15 (twenty years ago)

i heard sirens, i'm in fitzrovia. this is crazy, we 'know' all this stuff, but can't believe it.

there were witnesses for russel sq, matt.

N_RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:16 (twenty years ago)

dom, that line isn't in that story (any more)

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:16 (twenty years ago)

Yes it is, steve (I just ctrl-refreshed too).

Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:17 (twenty years ago)

gruesome bus explosion in tavistock square is uncomfirmed according to radio 5

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:18 (twenty years ago)

:(
work is very empty tho everyone in my office accounted for

mark s (mark s), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:19 (twenty years ago)

(sorry)

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:19 (twenty years ago)

colleagues have reported that central london has been closed off.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:20 (twenty years ago)

Bus explosion is Tavistock square approaching Russell Square tube from an eyewitness on Sky news.

Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:20 (twenty years ago)

feeling nervous about being so close to angel station now!

wow, this is so amazingly crap...has anyone claimed any sort of responsability for the busses? i'm guessing they can't blame that on power surges?

colette (a2lette), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:20 (twenty years ago)

But but I'm IN central London!!

Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:21 (twenty years ago)

Jesus wept. My best wishes to all you London folx.

C J (C J), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:21 (twenty years ago)

Evening Standard says 30 are feared dead. Tube sources say they've found unxploded bombs on evacuated trains. Two trains are still trapped in tunnels. A double-decker bus HAS blown up in Russel Square.

It's like Madrid all over again.

Hello Sunshine (Hello Sunshine), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:21 (twenty years ago)

i am listening to an eyewitness for the russel sq bus. bloomsbury closed down. oh fucking hell.

N_Rq, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:22 (twenty years ago)

Ditto! We're not shut down - though transport certainly is. Tube & now buses being shut down (so friend at TFL tells me...).

MattR (MattR), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:22 (twenty years ago)

Fuck being in London, can any of you guys get away from central areas?
My God this is horrible. Kate, where are you?

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:23 (twenty years ago)

Just phoned my mate at Tavistock Square who just said he heard a shitload of sirens.

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:24 (twenty years ago)

Kate checked in, its okay Pink.

I'm sitting in the middle of Islington, planning not to leave my office for a good few hours yet.

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:24 (twenty years ago)

can report from halfway down kingsway that there are shitloads of sirens, yes.

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:24 (twenty years ago)

scotland yard confirm bus explosion

soc@soc.com, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:25 (twenty years ago)

Shit. I'm now worried - I'm at home, but both my dad and my brother were heading into the city - neither uses the tube (I think), brother ought to be OK getting train to Blackfriars from Tulse Hill (I think), but I'm not sure of my dad's route in (he either goes to King's Cross or Highbury, I think) and I'm now extremely fucking concerned.

William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:25 (twenty years ago)

is everyone okay? i can't even send texts to any of my friends. this is pretty scary...

stelf)xxxx, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:25 (twenty years ago)

Bus explosion confirmed at Tavistock Place by police. That means it's a 91, 168, 59, or 68.

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:25 (twenty years ago)

Kate checked in, its okay Pink.
Cheers Matt I saw that, just she said she was going out to have a look.

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:26 (twenty years ago)

Not feeling particularly happy about being on Haymarket right now

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:26 (twenty years ago)

union sources now saying 3 bus explosions

soc@soc.com, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:26 (twenty years ago)

Bloody hell, this sounds nuts. My best to all of you.

NickB (NickB), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:26 (twenty years ago)

I work in Enfield so I'm miles away from all this but half the office is empty. I get the bus to work, but we're all being relocated to Chiswick in a month or so, so I'll be taking the tube then. Oh dear.

Colonel Poo (Colonel Poo), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:27 (twenty years ago)

Sky report another 2 explosions on buses.

Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:27 (twenty years ago)

It is weird in that I'm about half a mile from two of the sites but heard NOWT.

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:27 (twenty years ago)

yes extra bus explosions on radio 5 too

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:28 (twenty years ago)

PA copy off the wire:

LONDON IN CHAOS AFTER BLASTS
By PA Reporters
A bus was ripped apart in an explosion in central London today and several blasts rocked the Tube network leaving dozens of people injured.
A second bus was also damaged in an explosion.
The Tube blasts were initially blamed on a power surge.
But amid the chaos eyewitnesses reported that a packed double decker bus in the Russell Square area had been severely damaged in a blast.
Union officials blamed the Tube blasts on a series of bombs
Scotland Yard confirmed the bus explosion and said it was dealing with "multiple explosions" in London.
A second bus was damaged in Tavistock Square.
Describing the Russell Square blast, eyewitness Belinda Seabrook said she saw an explosion rip through the bus as it approached the Square.
"I was on the bus in front and heard an incredible bang, I turned round and half the double decker bus was in the air," she said.
Mrs Seabrook said the bus was travelling from Euston to Russell Square and had been "packed" with people turned away from Tube stops.
"It was a massive explosion and there were papers and half a bus flying through the air, I think it was the number 205," she said.
"There must be a lot of people dead as all the buses were packed, they had been turning people away from the tube stops.
"We were about 20 metres away, that was all."
The blasts plunged the capital into chaos as world leaders gathered in Scotland for the G8 summit.

Hello Sunshine (Hello Sunshine), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:28 (twenty years ago)

Can ppl please put up links to these stories?

Suzy, can you get out of there?

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:28 (twenty years ago)

jesus christ, i was just going to get the train to king's cross today.

Posadist, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:29 (twenty years ago)

My sister-in-law's getting married in Westminster on Saturday. Don't feel so happy about coming up there tomorrow all of a sudden.

NickB (NickB), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:29 (twenty years ago)

> The blasts plunged the capital into chaos as world leaders gathered in Scotland for the G8 summit.

pah! can they really think it's a g8 thing?

koogs (koogs), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:31 (twenty years ago)

Radio 1 is reporting no confirmed casualties.

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:31 (twenty years ago)

Bloody Hell

Matt (Matt), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:32 (twenty years ago)

We're battening down the office in case we have to abandon.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:32 (twenty years ago)

I suspect Paris is heaving a sigh of relief right now - this has to be timed in with the Olympics win, right?

Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:32 (twenty years ago)

More wire stuff:

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "At 8.50am we were called to Aldgate station to assist the City of London Police and British Transport Police regarding an incident on the Underground system.
"There have been further reports of multiple explosions in London. It is too early to say what has caused these explosions.
"There has been a confirmed explosion on a bus at Tavistock Place.
"The Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police and City of London Police are working together to ensure officers are deployed to each scene.
"There have been reports of numerous casualties but it is too early to say numbers at this stage."
mfl

Hello Sunshine (Hello Sunshine), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:33 (twenty years ago)

pah! can they really think it's a g8 thing?

why would you just rule that out?

colette (a2lette), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:34 (twenty years ago)

and to think, we were worried about this in scotland with G8.. how scary! good luck guys.

dahlin (dahlin), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:34 (twenty years ago)

let's not get argumentative please chaps

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:35 (twenty years ago)

I am very safe where I am. Ed, I am getting a dial tone from Tessa's phone so could you please give her a text or a call from yours as it is her commuting time?

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:35 (twenty years ago)

The bitter frenchmen

willdabeast, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:36 (twenty years ago)

The bus explosions happened after the tube ones. Whoever did this knew that people would pile onto buses once the Tube was closed, then planned to kill as many as possible. I just want to cry.

Hello Sunshine (Hello Sunshine), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:37 (twenty years ago)

My sister had the day off, thank goodness - she works at Old Street. Think Dad's being evacuated - works right next door to MI6, but he's made contact with Mum so he's OK. Ugh.

Mädchen (Madchen), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:37 (twenty years ago)

i hate john gaunt on bbc london, but it's a good source of news this morning.

emma late to work has given up and gone home

Britain's Jauntiest Shepherd (Alan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:38 (twenty years ago)

it can't be the olympics, they would have had to plan this mark. i mean, maybe they had a team to hit paris, but i doubt it.

we've just been asked to do a roll-call (am by gt portland st).

N_RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:38 (twenty years ago)

It's all over BBC1 - there is a bus on screen and it looks severely damaged.

Sick Mouthy (Nick Southall), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:38 (twenty years ago)

bloody hell. i'm in france, but we keep getting texts from people in london. what's going on here, people? local news is really confused, keeps flicking between bombs and power surges. news please...

CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:38 (twenty years ago)

yeah not olympic related if they had bombs ready for paris as well why not explode the lot.

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:39 (twenty years ago)

First pictures:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41276000/jpg/_41276407_kingscross1_203.jpg

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:39 (twenty years ago)

My phone's not getting anything now... Trying to keep working but its not easy.

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:41 (twenty years ago)

But if they wer going to hit london anyway, what better time than the morning after getting the olympics, with G8 going on in the country at the same time?

Vicky (Vicky), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:41 (twenty years ago)

Te top floor of the bus was gone - no roof or sides, just chairs from what we could make out on screen. if a bomb has gone off on a bus then surely people must have died?

Sick Mouthy (Nick Southall), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:41 (twenty years ago)

Henry, I don't think so. I imagine that a few low-level bombs (which is what they seem to be) would have been straightforward to organise and very easy to put in position with little time needed to mobilise - I'd be almost certain that they had a team ready for Paris too.

(they wouldn't bomb both as a) it's not a gesture if they cover both and b) it dilutes the effect.)

Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:41 (twenty years ago)

I'm at home watching BBC news 24. They have no word from the tube subsequent to the power surge story, although an eyewitness was insistent it was an electrical fault. What caused the power surge is another matter.

Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:42 (twenty years ago)

People I'm phoning in Whitehall aren't answering their phones. Normally I wouldn't think twice about it but now I'm wondering if they've been evacuated or something

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:42 (twenty years ago)

Obv I'm just thinking aloud, I nkow as little as everyone else.

Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:42 (twenty years ago)

carsmile, was that aimed at me? because it was a genuine question...i wondered if people that know more than me about this would rule out anything to do with G8.

suddenly can hear loads of sirens, hopefully it's just spillover from kings cross, but we'll see.

multiple xpost

colette (a2lette), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:42 (twenty years ago)

can we please lay off speculating about terrorists until we know the FACTS. thanks.

Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:43 (twenty years ago)

I'm back from Russell Square. I didn't see any explosions in the square, but all of Southampton Row above the square (Tavistock or whatever it's called) is totally blocked off by police so I can neither confirm nor deny the exploded bus thing.

I'm completely freaking out.

(The pathetic thing is, I actually *ran* to Joe's house to check if he was OK. Didn't answer the bell and realised I don't even know if he still lives there.)

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:43 (twenty years ago)

Andrew Marr say Blair staying at Gleneagles.

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:43 (twenty years ago)

Can't text, mobile network probably switcfhed over to eergency services only. I'll email her two addresses.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:43 (twenty years ago)

I'm here. I could only get a bus as far as Highbury Corner. I'm at my boyfriend's house with his flatmate. The bus driver said that no buses are going into zone one at all.
Please say that everyone's okay.

Anna (Anna), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:43 (twenty years ago)

I'm here, I'm ok, I'm at home with octavia, and I've had mail from tom and cathy too...

JimD (JimD), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:44 (twenty years ago)

If this is terrorism then surely it is timed to conicide with G8 both in terms of political effect and focus of policing being elsewhere.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:44 (twenty years ago)

According to other websites, they have closed the mobile networks down. Just rumours though.

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:44 (twenty years ago)

Has anyone heard off Magnus? I'm sure he'd long be at work by that hour but still.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:44 (twenty years ago)

at everyone really, like Marcello says sticking to the facts important.

another big tranche of sirens going past, helicoptor overhead too.

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:45 (twenty years ago)

Everyone please be alright, everyone please be alright.

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:45 (twenty years ago)

Breaking news on the TV says that GNER trains into London have all been cancelled.

C J (C J), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:45 (twenty years ago)

Whitehall is still running. In my building there's been no notice of possible evacuation or anything, but my floor is fairly empty, just because people haven't been able to get to work, not for any other reason.

MattR (MattR), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:45 (twenty years ago)

heard tavistock road bus explosion. office here at tottenham court road three-quarters empty.

Pete W (peterw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:46 (twenty years ago)

Pictures of ex-bus on Sky. It's just a heap of red and white metal.

Hello Sunshine (Hello Sunshine), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:50 (twenty years ago)

My sisters okay thank god, mobiles aren't working and my parents are in Scotland so I can't get through to tell them that she's okay and they can't call me or my brother.

Ilxors check in ASAP.

Jarlr'mai (jarlrmai), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:50 (twenty years ago)

Witness on the Beeb saying the exploded bus was a tourist bus rather than a London Transport bus.

Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:50 (twenty years ago)

the bus was a tourist bus (not open top) according to news24 eye witness

Britain's Jauntiest Shepherd (Alan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:50 (twenty years ago)

american tourist seems to think it was a tourist bus

dahlin (dahlin), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:50 (twenty years ago)

http://www.fondantfancies.com/files/bus.jpg

grrraham (noodles is a cunt), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:50 (twenty years ago)

My mobile appears to be working. Aside from the constant sirens and circling helicopters, all is normal here in Holborn.

Good time to be in front of the telly, newswise - every news site on the Web is predictably overloaded right now.

Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:51 (twenty years ago)

We've just contacted someone via mobile, so I guess the circuit is being hammered, but not actually down.

mark grout (mark grout), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:51 (twenty years ago)

American tourist making me cross. Stelfox mailed me for a check-in.

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:52 (twenty years ago)

If anyone's mobile is not working and they want me to phone messages through on their behalf, pls email me and I will do it straight away.

C J (C J), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:52 (twenty years ago)

this is really worrying - no confirmed reports as to exactly what is happening. lots of mixed messages, but police are confirming "suspected bombings" on bus(es) and serious casualties, which seems pretty obvious and also makes the idea of power surges a little less credible unless they were by design. impossible to say what the motivation is as yet, or indeed if there is any. i'm at a newspaper today, so will keep you informed as and when i can. in truth, though, we're not getting much more than you are on tv. i really don't want this to be terrorism, but it's looking like it's a definite possibility.

stelf)xxx, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:52 (twenty years ago)

What is happening ! Blasts ! Explosions ! Chaos !

BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4659093.stm

One caller to BBC Five said his friend had seen "the bus ripped open like a can of sardines and bodies everywhere."

DJ Martian (djmartian), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:53 (twenty years ago)

Magnus just emailed to say he's in Berlin and is fine. Phew.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:53 (twenty years ago)

I've seen the bus with the 'power surge' on BBC News 24 and it's kind of split in half lengthways with the passenger doors side hanging off at a 45 degree angle.

ihttp://img71.imageshack.us/img71/5123/bus9qu.jpg

ihttp://img71.imageshack.us/img71/4907/bus21xj.jpg

James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:53 (twenty years ago)

Anyone heard from Tom?

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:54 (twenty years ago)

ppl are being warned there may be a series of controlled explosions soon and not to worry if they hear something

dahlin (dahlin), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:54 (twenty years ago)

i think the tavistock sq bus explosion has been officially confirmed on the radio, dave, but none of the others.

N_RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:54 (twenty years ago)

BBC saying that the police will be carrying out a series of controlled explosions around Russell Square in the next few minutes.

RickyT (RickyT), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:55 (twenty years ago)

Satinder phoned to check in and said she was evacuated at Leicester Square at 8.45 and made her own way to her office in Waterloo. We are still trying to locate our mate Carlos who headed into town on a 168.

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:55 (twenty years ago)

"I've seen the bus with the 'power surge'"

The bus didn't have a power surge that was the tube.

Confusion reigns

Jarlr'mai (jarlrmai), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:55 (twenty years ago)

A bomb has gone off on a Liverpool St backstreet off Houndsditch.

Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:56 (twenty years ago)

Reports of a bomb going off in Houndsditch just near Liverpool Dtreet.

Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:56 (twenty years ago)

Magnus has checked in, he's okay.

Any word on Stevem?

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:56 (twenty years ago)

Sky News reports 'at least 90 casualties' at Aldgate Station, according to a doctor.

William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:56 (twenty years ago)

meanwhile, all the terrorism experts are at gleneagles.. deciding whether to send some of them to london...

dahlin (dahlin), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:57 (twenty years ago)

andrew i think tom is probably still at home, bottom end of the northern line was out before all this started anyway.

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:57 (twenty years ago)

Stock exchange has dropped about 200 points

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:58 (twenty years ago)

martin skidmore works near russell square :(

mark s (mark s), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:58 (twenty years ago)

Sirens going crazy outside

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:58 (twenty years ago)

Just phoned Edgy Style Mag to tell them about bomb in Houndsditch (our office is close to there).

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:59 (twenty years ago)

Do none of these 'experts' have a clue that this could happen while all the 'experts' are protecting our 'leaders'?

mark grout (mark grout), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:59 (twenty years ago)

http://uk.ichart.yahoo.com/t?s=^FTSE

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:59 (twenty years ago)

Can someone email me Tom's current home and mobile numbers? address is beatgirlcomics at gmail dot com.

Vic Fluro, Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:59 (twenty years ago)

I hope Martin checks in soon. Ilx wouldn't be the same without him.

The New and Improved / Kate (papa november), Thursday, 7 July 2005 08:59 (twenty years ago)

Scotland Yard will have a number for concerned relatives to call within the next 30 minutes.

Hello Sunshine (Hello Sunshine), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:00 (twenty years ago)

Martin is probably splinting someone's arm with a copy of Action Comics #1 or something suitably fantastic.

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:01 (twenty years ago)

G8 question: How many US & allied military personnel are in Afghanistan trying to find Bin Laden & co ?

DJ Martian (djmartian), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:01 (twenty years ago)

mark, skidmo's on gower street isn't he?

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:01 (twenty years ago)

al, done.

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:01 (twenty years ago)

Just heard from my dad, he's OK and is at the Arsenal.

William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:02 (twenty years ago)

I'm in. Walked to work from Vauxhall.

Tom (Groke), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:02 (twenty years ago)

ITV News Channel banner: "Government spokesman: 20 Dead in London Explosions" :(

grrraham (noodles is a cunt), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:02 (twenty years ago)

Do none of these 'experts' have a clue that this could happen while all the 'experts' are protecting our 'leaders'?

wasn't this a film plot? can't think of which film...

have cancelled my one appointment for the afternoon, thinking about going to the pub to watch the news.

colette (a2lette), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:03 (twenty years ago)

Markelby, is Nick ok?

marianna lcl (marianna lcl), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:03 (twenty years ago)

Al if you're reading can you phone Mum and Dad and let them know I'm fine - all the phone lines out of London are fucked.

Tom (Groke), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:03 (twenty years ago)

I just heard from 2 other (nonILX) london friends too, so phew. this is all very confusing and worrying.

Trayce (trayce), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:03 (twenty years ago)

Martin where are you?!

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:04 (twenty years ago)

re: Just heard from my dad, he's OK and is at the Arsenal.

He is a Gooner not a goner !

DJ Martian (djmartian), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:04 (twenty years ago)

BBC now has a webpage full of eyewitness accounts:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4659243.stm

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:05 (twenty years ago)

no word from sistrah becky and dr vick but my mobile is busted so i left it at home :(

i'd go home but i installed os x 10.2 last night and can't reconfigure my internet connection, so work is only place i can keep in touch w.you guys

mark s (mark s), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:06 (twenty years ago)

(I have no idea if I should still go to the National Insurance office for the appointment this afternoon - it's right by Edgeware Road tube)

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:06 (twenty years ago)

ooh, urgent work memo:

Dear all

There are some problems on the phone network, some external lines seem to be down and the mobile phone network is jammed. We are not having any problems on the email or college network at the moment, but it might be worth saving any important files you are working on in case it does go down.

M*** B*****
R*P*H I.T. and Information Manager

N_Rq, Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:06 (twenty years ago)

Mum and Dad are in France at the moment - I don't have their new number with me. I'll head home at 12 and call them.

Vic Fluro, Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:07 (twenty years ago)

NO! Stay put! They might be closed anyway.
xpost -> kate

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:07 (twenty years ago)

Skidders is just round the corner from me and we're OK here (the few people who actually came in).

Lucretia My Reflection (Lucretia My Reflection), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:07 (twenty years ago)

Is Dada in London? Or Julio?

NickB (NickB), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:07 (twenty years ago)

pink kate etc if martin's at work he doesn't check ile there, if he's at home he'll be fine.

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:07 (twenty years ago)

Vic I've got their # here, will email it to you now

xpost why the fuck am I calling you Vic? :)

Tom (Groke), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:08 (twenty years ago)

I'm going outside for a cig. Wish me luck!

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:08 (twenty years ago)

hope everyone from London isn't in danger.

donkeykong, Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:08 (twenty years ago)

On ITN, "Govt. source has talked of 20 dead". All bus services suspended.

AdrianB (AdrianB), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:09 (twenty years ago)

Was able to call Merseyside just now without a problem; my Dad hadn't had the telly on this morning. "Must be the French," he said.

More sirens but ped/vehicle traffic continues on New Oxford St and High Holborn pretty much as normal.

Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:09 (twenty years ago)

I think they just said something about suspending bus services in Central London. They've now flashed a headline about a 'suspect package' at Stockwell station across the screen.

William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:09 (twenty years ago)

Cheers Carsmile. I don't suppose anyone can get through to him via phone?

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:10 (twenty years ago)

Is the Buses suspended thing confirmed? I was just out for a cig on Whitehall, and they're still running up and down as of 10 minutes ago...

MattR (MattR), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:10 (twenty years ago)

I'm presuming Gareth will be stuck somewhere between here and Hounslow - at least thats what I'm hoping.

Who else haven't we covered?

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:10 (twenty years ago)

i would contact martin pinxor but my mobile is busted

mark s (mark s), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:11 (twenty years ago)

Thanks for caring, people - I just got onto the thread, but am fine. I was coming up the lower escalator in Warren Street tube at maybe 8.45 when the lights went out and it jerked to a halt. The lights came back on a second later, and we all walked up, and they apologised for the 'power surge' - and I knew nothing more until 20 minutes ago. I'd come through Euston and King's Cross en route, and used to travel in through Aldgate and Liverpool Street, so I'm thinking of this as a pretty close thing.

Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:11 (twenty years ago)

aw man i want one now...

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:11 (twenty years ago)

The right is going to have a fucking field day whipping up racism on the back of this. I suppose that's the bombers' intention though.

Posadist, Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:11 (twenty years ago)

I'd imagine that if the mobile phone networks are all down, it might be deliberately to prevent Madrid-style detonations-via-phone

Forest Pines (ForestPines), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:11 (twenty years ago)

Zone 1 bus services only according to the BBC

grraham (noodles is a cunt), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:11 (twenty years ago)

I just walked from Vauxhall after being kicked off a bus. They've been suspended alright.

Tom (Groke), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:12 (twenty years ago)

Glad you're OK Martin! *hugs*

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:12 (twenty years ago)

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Hari A$hur$t (Toaster), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:12 (twenty years ago)

Don't worry though the London Tourist Buses are still going!!

Tom (Groke), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:12 (twenty years ago)

just checking in.

Julio Desouza (jdesouza), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:12 (twenty years ago)

Swindon and Brighton railway stations evacuated according to BBC 24.

Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:12 (twenty years ago)

Swindon railway station evacuated.

ie don't travel today.

jellybean (jellybean), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:13 (twenty years ago)

Trying to make sure I get the equation right wherein I ring my mom before she rings me in a panic.

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:13 (twenty years ago)

(I've just realised I'm supposed to be in London next week. Eek)

Forest Pines (ForestPines), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:13 (twenty years ago)

WHat was that thing about "controlled explosions" to be aware of? That confused me. Whats going on? argh.

Trayce (trayce), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:13 (twenty years ago)

Marianna, Nick has reported in and is apparently walking to the office from Holborn. Don't fret hon.

Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:13 (twenty years ago)

Controlled explosions = small explosions next to things that might be bombs in order to destroy their detonation mechanism

Forest Pines (ForestPines), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:14 (twenty years ago)

ANyone heard from KenC or Liz:x or robster?

sgs (sgs), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:14 (twenty years ago)

ITN: Blair statement forthcoming at noon.

AdrianB (AdrianB), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:14 (twenty years ago)

Forest Pines? Is that you Pinefox?
Lauren and Stevem are both Old Street. And Gareth?

Anna (Anna), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:15 (twenty years ago)

So are you at work, Tom? Or at home?

Vic FLuro, Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:15 (twenty years ago)

ANyone heard from KenC or Liz:x or robster?
Indeed!

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:15 (twenty years ago)

emsk is fine she's on her way to oxford

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:16 (twenty years ago)

Welcome to chaos, Ned. When does he get there?

NickB (NickB), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:16 (twenty years ago)

Government sources are now using the word "terrorism".

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:17 (twenty years ago)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41276000/gif/_41276695_london_tube_map416.gif

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:17 (twenty years ago)

I am not The Pinefox

Forest Pines (ForestPines), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:17 (twenty years ago)

I'd imagine that if the mobile phone networks are all down, it might be deliberately to prevent Madrid-style detonations-via-phone

Perhaps, but my money is on 10 million people trying to find out if each other are alright.

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:18 (twenty years ago)

haven't heard from my sister yet, or my supervisor - that said i've texted both and the texts haven't delivered, so they're probably fine. tried ringing my parents (in france, so phonable) to see if they'd heard from my sis, but of course they're not answering the phone - prob in the garden blissfully unaware, i guess.

toby (tsg20), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:18 (twenty years ago)

Just managed to make a couple of mobile phone calls (on Orange) so I guess it's just a network overload

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:18 (twenty years ago)

Shit, guys. My heart is sick. I'm normally not up at 5am; maybe I knew something was wrong.

No one is confirming casualties yet. How could there not be casualties?

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:18 (twenty years ago)

i just got a call from my brother and my mate, theyre ok phew! the pictures are shocking, and to think i was thinking of going to london today....

battlingspacemonkey (battlingspacemonkey), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:18 (twenty years ago)

scratch that, my sister just emailed me, she's at home in waterloo :-) :-)

toby (tsg20), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:19 (twenty years ago)

Colleague says something's happened in Brighton on the railway now

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:19 (twenty years ago)

brighton railway station is closed

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:19 (twenty years ago)

Only just got into work via the bus, having walked to Bow - was at home when it all happened it seems. This is only just sinking in for me.

Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:20 (twenty years ago)

This is so fucked, guys. So so fucked.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:20 (twenty years ago)

My parent's stupid landline is ringing as engaged. I've left a message. Will try their moblies now.

Lucretia My Reflection (Lucretia My Reflection), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:20 (twenty years ago)

I've been adrenaline-shakey all morning

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:20 (twenty years ago)

BBC is reporting Swindon and Brighton railway stations evacuated

Forest Pines (ForestPines), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:20 (twenty years ago)

i was aishing this morning that my train ticket was for coming back to london today, not tomorrow, but i imagine the eurostar's not running, is it? what about airports etc? is it business as usual or is everything closing? wish i was in london right now, perverse as that sounds.

toby (tsg20), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:21 (twenty years ago)

STEVE, email lixi NOW pls :)

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:21 (twenty years ago)

Eurostar was still going last time anyone checked.

Hello Sunshine (Hello Sunshine), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:22 (twenty years ago)

He has :)

I rang my dad, who had no idea what was going on (not that this is new).

Raston Warrior Robot (alix), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:23 (twenty years ago)

Sky reporting troops on the streets

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:23 (twenty years ago)

The french? (sorry)

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:23 (twenty years ago)

This is only just sinking in for me.

I'm not even there, but this is surreal for me, too. And angry. And scared.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:23 (twenty years ago)

Trying to make sure I get the equation right wherein I ring my mom before she rings me in a panic.

same boat, suzy. parents on a resort in spain. hadn't heard about olympics when i spoke to them yesterday. will calling only tell them what's going on and upset them more? who knows...

colette (a2lette), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:24 (twenty years ago)

My friend was on the train behind the Aldgate one, is shocked as all hell. Wow.
Met has taken control of the city, under the emergency plan.

stet (stet), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:24 (twenty years ago)

Travel news:

BLAST THROW TRANSPORT SYSTEMS INTO CHAOS
By Peter Woodman and Alan Jones, PA
The explosions in central London today threw the capital's transport network into chaos.
The entire Tube system, used by three millions people a day, was suspended while bus services in the centre of London also ceased.
King's Cross, Euston and Liverpool Street main line stations were closed, with operations to injured people being carried out on the Liverpool Street concourse.
While some main line services continued to run into London, other companies were halting trains short of the capital.
Euston Road, Marylebone Road and Aldgate one-way system were among roads closed in the centre of London. Motoring organisations described the heart of the capital as "totally gridlocked".
With the Underground services suspended, airlines at Heathrow warned that flights could be delayed with flight crews and passengers likely to have difficulty reaching the west London airport.
A transport source said: "The Underground is likely to be shut for many hours."
Following the bus explosion, a Transport for London (TfL) spokesman said: "Checks are being undertaken on all buses that remain in service and at all bus garages. We are advising passengers not to go into central London."

Hello Sunshine (Hello Sunshine), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:25 (twenty years ago)

my bloody mum - i called her in newcastle to reassure her only to be told "oh she's in london today on training in the king's cross office"! she is ok i've heard. but blimey.

Britain's Jauntiest Shepherd (Alan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:25 (twenty years ago)

what about airports etc? is it business as usual or is everything closing?

Not actually closed but "airlines at Heathrow warned that flights could be delayed with flight crews and passengers likely to have difficulty reaching the west London airport"

No one is confirming casualties yet. How could there not be casualties?

Police have confirmed two deaths. These things have to come through slowly.

Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:26 (twenty years ago)

jesus christ, this is horrific. glad everyone who's checked in here has checked in here. umm ... nothing else to say. just sitting here watching the news tick in on PA and ... fuck.

grimly fiendish (grimlord), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:26 (twenty years ago)

My mum is camping in Maine and I'm certainly not leaving a message on her friend's mobile yet. I've emailed my whole family but chances are none of them are awake yet, so they'll get the email at the same time as any news.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:27 (twenty years ago)


@text:MOBILE PHONE NETWORKS JAMMED
By Louise Barnett, PA
Mobile phone networks were jammed today as anxious callers tried to contact loved-ones.
Vodafone has dedicated part of its network exclusively to the emergency services, a spokeswoman said.
Orange said a surge in the number of calls meant users were experiencing delays getting through.
A Vodafone spokeswoman said: "The network is under full capacity as a certain amount has been dedicated to the emergency services so they can talk to each other. That will have an effect on customers."
Orange said network congestion meant users were having trouble making calls on the first attempt.
A spokeswoman for Virgin Mobile, which operates via the T-Mobile network, said: "There are so many people making calls at the moment it is taking a while for people to get through. The volume of calls has really surged."
ends
071124 JUL 05

grimly fiendish (grimlord), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:27 (twenty years ago)

As for the military rumours:

"1 POLICE EXPLOSION MILITARY

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARMY ON STANDBY TO HELP

By PA reporter

The Ministry of Defence said there was currently "no military involvement" in the response to today's blasts.

"We standby ready to assist, but this is a civil police led operation at present," said a spokesman.

"Reports of soldiers on the streets are wrong, it may be people confused by WWII celebration preparations."

Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:27 (twenty years ago)

I want you all in London to know, I have shed tears for you. Maybe only because I don't know how bad or not bad it really is, but I can't imagine anything good. Maybe just because I'm up too early.

Hugs, guys.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:27 (twenty years ago)

Can anyone confirm about an explosion in Brighton?

According to a friend, Gatwick is on full alert & may be evacuated.

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:27 (twenty years ago)

This may have been mentioned but has anyone heard from Ken C? Does Hari live in London? I forget.

The New and Improved / Kate (papa november), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:27 (twenty years ago)

Got a eurostar ticket to Paris for Monday - don't like my chances of getting there

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:28 (twenty years ago)

Ken C is OK, I haven't heard from Liz or Rob.

marianna lcl (marianna lcl), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:28 (twenty years ago)

hari checked in kate

mark s (mark s), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:29 (twenty years ago)

Managed to ge through to my mum and have had to settle for emailing everyone else.

Anna (Anna), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:29 (twenty years ago)

my wife works in tavistock square ... near the bus explosion ... she is fine ... the phonelines to her place of work were not workinig 'i'm sorry but there is a fault on the line...' when i finally got through (THANK FUCK) and ascertained that it was all ok ... she stopped listening to radio because she doesn't want to get hysterical ... but apparently from her collegues ... 'there are bodies lying around ...' ... and in the background noise its non stop sirens, etc. it sounds like vietnam. basically, that's fine... but can you please WALK HOME TODAY???????????'

doomie x, Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:30 (twenty years ago)

Tracer Hand is looking for Emma B as he has tried to phone landline and moby from NYC with no joy. She was supposed to take Eurostar today he thinks. I have tried landline but it is still engaged inna UK signal stylee.

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:30 (twenty years ago)

Thanks Mark.

The New and Improved / Kate (papa november), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:30 (twenty years ago)

Where are these Brighton reports coming from?

NickB (NickB), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:30 (twenty years ago)

hold tight isps and tel exchanges

willdabeast, Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:31 (twenty years ago)

International woman of mystery Lara Byrne left London yesterday, in case you were wondering.

I am grimly amused at how this is affecting Kenan worse than anyone on the scene.

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:31 (twenty years ago)

I tried emailing her, but nothing yet.

Anna (Anna), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:31 (twenty years ago)

MEssage from a government spokeman is to stay put (A previous Transport police spokeman just told everyone to move to major stations for evacuation from London)

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:32 (twenty years ago)

Just heard from my brother he's in Brighton but sometimes goes to London, he's okay he's working at Sussex Uni. This is just terrible.

I have lots of relatives and friends in London and no way of contacting some of them.

Jarlr'mai (jarlrmai), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:32 (twenty years ago)

'Almost certainly the work of Al Qaeda' say BBC.

Two people dead at Aldgate East.

Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:32 (twenty years ago)

I think if there an actual explosion at Brighton we would have heard an actual report. Probably just people reacting to precautionary closing of the station.

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:33 (twenty years ago)

Yeah, the official word from our higher ups is that they are in touch with "the authorities" and we should stay in our buildings.

(Which sucks cause I need lunch.)

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:33 (twenty years ago)

Swindon is closed due to a "security incident" according to BBC

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:33 (twenty years ago)

Yeah, it seems the evacuations at Swindon and Brighton are just in reaction to abandoned luggage.

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:33 (twenty years ago)

I was meant to be in london though, but i was too lazy to go in the end.

this is awful

Hari A$hur$t (Toaster), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:34 (twenty years ago)

BBC are now saying 'arab sources say almost certainly al qaeda'.

Emma, Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:34 (twenty years ago)

But we fucking made al qaeda up?!

Sick Mouthy (Nick Southall), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:35 (twenty years ago)

evacuation? stay put? nice to see the dunkirk spirit of incompetence prevails in britain's public services.

me, i'm staying put in my office until someone says it's safe to evacuate. presumably if i tried walking home from NW3 to SW16 tonight i would probably get shot by a sniper, like webern did.

Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:36 (twenty years ago)

actually it is pretty hairy here at the moment, all our doctors on emergency standby to go out if needed.

Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:37 (twenty years ago)

Is al qaeda just a catch-all phrase the media use to mask saying "It was those bloody arabs again"?

The New and Improved / Kate (papa november), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:37 (twenty years ago)

s. just emailed me and told me that one of work collegues just saw tavistock square 'apparently .. there is alot of blood. i felt a bit faint and went to the loo ... trying not to think about it but sirens are constant reminder...

doomie x, Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:37 (twenty years ago)

My thoughts with you all, guys. I still can't get through to some friends.

tissp! (the impossible shortest specia), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:37 (twenty years ago)

An eye witness on sky reported that a fire engine had run someone over in russel square.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:37 (twenty years ago)

It's odd that if it is al qaeda they've chosen areas with large Muslim populations (Edgeware Road, Aldgate East).

Anna (Anna), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:37 (twenty years ago)

marianna lcl, any word from Ben and Rachel?

sgs (sgs), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:38 (twenty years ago)

"al qaeda" just = islamist terrorists who aren't in some named group, really, doesn't it?

JERUSALEM - Senior Israeli official says Scotland Yard told Israel minutes before explosions it had received warnings of possible terror attacks.

Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:38 (twenty years ago)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41276000/jpg/_41276837_passengers_300_ap_edgeware.jpg

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:38 (twenty years ago)

I'm now very glad that I couldn't walk as far as Tavistock Square.

All of the news reports now are saying it's bombs, not a "power surge".

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:38 (twenty years ago)

Have spent the last 30 minutes in a blind panic - my son is on a school trip to globe theatre. His mobile was not working. Just heard from school that they are safe in the theatre and are being kept there. I am shaking with horror/relief. He still has to make his way home.

Love to all - hope everyone is OK

Dr. C (Dr. C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:39 (twenty years ago)

good to see that admin still goes on - just had an email informing us that all doors in imperial are now swipecard only.

I am grimly amused at how this is affecting Kenan worse than anyone on the scene

in some ways it's quite difficult not being there. i was sat at the front of a big lecture theatre when i got the first text from colette about the tube explosions, and it was a very long half hour until the lecture ended. i know that if i was in london i'd have no more information than i do sat here, but i'd still much rather be there.

toby (tsg20), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:40 (twenty years ago)

Our street (and some around it) have been cordoned off, tave just went out to buy bread and loo roll, and on the way back was told she couldn't come down here. "But I live there". "Oh, ok then, on you go". So a bit pointless, really.

JimD (JimD), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:40 (twenty years ago)

Anna: Bear in mind that fanatical extremist Muslims can be heavily against any people they see as Not Muslim Enough - for example, the group that attacked George Galloway's election campaign because they thought that taking part in the election at all was non-Muslim.

Forest Pines (ForestPines), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:40 (twenty years ago)

Almost certainly the work of Al Qaeda' say BBC.

Aw wtf? Surely the IRA or some anti WTO nutters more likely?

Trayce (trayce), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:41 (twenty years ago)

yeah i hope everybody here is alright and their familys and stuff. this is nuts.

Hari A$hur$t (Toaster), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:41 (twenty years ago)

No word from Ben and Rachel yet.

marianna lcl (marianna lcl), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:42 (twenty years ago)

Fucking hell DR C you and your son have my absolute best wishes. I'm glad he's OK but he must be fucking petrified.

Sick Mouthy (Nick Southall), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:43 (twenty years ago)

sistrah becky and dr vick at boring work-related conference in roehampton! all safe

dad informed

re: being here vs being far --- i am keeping my feelings in suspended animation till i know what it means for those i know

mark s (mark s), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:43 (twenty years ago)

this is terrible. can't get through to anyone obviously.....

Ronan (Ronan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:43 (twenty years ago)

I'm freaking out in the same way that I was freaking out, stranded at the airport watching NYC burn and not knowing what was going on during 9/11. It's good to at least have *access* to news, even if it's conflicting and constantly changing. Being stranded and powerless and knowing nothing was even more terrifying than this.

What I find terrifying is how stoically the rest of my department just carry on working.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:43 (twenty years ago)

thinking about it now, i'm so glad that i heard about this from colette rather than any other way. i was worried enough about people as it was.

toby (tsg20), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:43 (twenty years ago)

Also edgware road tube station is a tiny part of edgware road as a whole - quite a few hotels, tourists... i normally get the tube through every morning and it's the regular mix of commuters. Thankfully we had a big 'do' at work last night so were all allowed in late today...

Emma, Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:44 (twenty years ago)

But there was still an identifiable characteristic, ie taking part in the election. Unless living in Aldgate makes you Not Muslim Enough.

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:45 (twenty years ago)

It's OK Kate. I am a bit freaked out too, trembling. Everyone in my office is acting cool. I think I'm more freaked because I was in Old Street at the time and going through the city watching all the ambulences go by. Big virtual hug in your direction.

marianna, Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:45 (twenty years ago)

I am slightly freaked by not having anywhere to run to, nor is going anywhere a sensible idea.

In NYC on 11/9/01 I was able to get from John street to Colombia before the first tower came down.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:45 (twenty years ago)

According to my workmate Wood Green station was closed at 8am, i.e. well before anything happened, so I assume they had some warning this was going to happen?

Colonel Poo (Colonel Poo), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:46 (twenty years ago)

Happy to hear he's safe DrC

People in Bishopsgate are being told not to leave their buildings, I'm told

What I find terrifying is how stoically the rest of my department just carry on working.

Ditto

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:46 (twenty years ago)

Even the Pretty Fucking Crazy branch of the IRA have more sense.

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:47 (twenty years ago)

I just talked to Emma B, she's fine but in typical imperious fashion wants to commandeer her landlady's car to drive to the airport (not Eurostar) ... she claims airports are still open.

Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:48 (twenty years ago)

I know Kate. But I actually emailed my office, mainly to see if they were okay (it's in the middle of Liverpool Street, Old Street and Aldgate East), but also because I want something to do. I'm not doing anything at the moment, but I'd quite like something to get on with, just to .. keep busy I suppose.

Anna (Anna), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:48 (twenty years ago)

Not much work getting done here, even though we're about 8 miles away from central London.

Colonel Poo (Colonel Poo), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:48 (twenty years ago)

Exactly. The IRA are comparitively quite subdued these days.

xpost

The New and Improved / Kate (papa november), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:48 (twenty years ago)

As far as I can remember, the IRA have never set off multiple bombs at once.

Forest Pines (ForestPines), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:49 (twenty years ago)

No one is driving anywhere.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:49 (twenty years ago)

I kinda feel like I'm overreacting as i cannot concentrate on work while others around me are just carrying on.
Hugs on their way Kate.

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:49 (twenty years ago)

via [Killing Joke] The Gathering email list:

This bleak news is being communicated:

Word from my Brother in law who has just started work on the tubes - 30 dead and there are still people trapped down there.

FUCKING MURDERING BASTARDS whoever 'they' are...

DJ Martian (djmartian), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:49 (twenty years ago)

I'm here. Been trying to get hold of Liz's mobile all morning but no luck. She wasn't at her office when I left a message there.

robster (robster), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:49 (twenty years ago)

News reports here are largely concerned with the bombings, with some detours about the awful weather we're going to be getting -- it's sort of like a "there, but for the grace of God, goes New York City" kind of feeling.

Michael Daddino (epicharmus), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:49 (twenty years ago)

I am grimly amused at how this is affecting Kenan worse than anyone on the scene.

When you're on the scene, it's time for business and action and dealing, or at least it seems that way, even if it doesn't affect you, as long as you're in the city. All I can do is feel bad.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:49 (twenty years ago)

BT: "The telephone network is busy at the moment. Please try again later."

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:49 (twenty years ago)

"Aw wtf? Surely the IRA or some anti WTO nutters more likely?"

I doubt it too vicious, too organised this is very, very much the MO of Muslim Fundamentalists, very much like Madrid.

Jarlr'mai (jarlrmai), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:49 (twenty years ago)

Even if I had work to do (my freaking new system is all over the place to do) I wouldn't be able to concentrate on it.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:50 (twenty years ago)

'As far as I can remember, the IRA have never set off multiple bombs at once.'

Wasn't the Omagh boming multiple explosions with people running from the first into the second.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:51 (twenty years ago)

"bemusedly shocked but somehow getting on with it" is perhaps the best description of the general feeling in my place of work at the moment. i suppose being several miles away from the epicentre of all this lends it a fairly surreal/unreal aura, but the enormity of what's happened is only starting to feed through to me now - the fact that i was on my usual bus route to work this morning, including a direct run through central london.

i've just rung my mum - hysterical but relieved. lots of "you've got to come home to glasgow" stuff. after the week i've had, and now this, i'm not sure she's wrong.

Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:51 (twenty years ago)

i can't work. i mean, there's dunkirk spirit, and then there's pointless fkn admin tasks.

but some of them wanna leave. i mean, we're only 10 mins walk from the explosions are they nuts?

N_RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:52 (twenty years ago)

Maybe other people in our offices are getting on with work cos they don't have ile!

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:52 (twenty years ago)

I can't remember, Ed. If you're right, I stand corrected.

Forest Pines (ForestPines), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:53 (twenty years ago)

After my stupid panicked run up to Russell Square, now I'm afraid to leave the building, even to get lunch. :-(

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:53 (twenty years ago)

There's a lot of gallows humour in my department right now. I wish I could find it funny.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:53 (twenty years ago)

'As far as I can remember, the IRA have never set off multiple bombs at once.'

The Birmingham pub bombings too???

dmun drive-in (dmun), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:54 (twenty years ago)

Suzy, Tessa just checked in.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:55 (twenty years ago)

Bah. I am completely wrong as per usual.

Forest Pines (ForestPines), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:56 (twenty years ago)

Wasn't the Omagh boming multiple explosions with people running from the first into the second.

-- Ed (dal...), July 7th, 2005.

no, police evacuated area, bomb went off where they were evac'd to. this is not the ira.

N_)RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:56 (twenty years ago)

i've just rung my mum - hysterical but relieved. lots of "you've got to come home to glasgow" stuff. after the week i've had, and now this, i'm not sure she's wrong.

*massive hugs*

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:56 (twenty years ago)

I wish I could find it funny.

Yeah, maybe tomorrow. When you have multiple instances of massive headwould just because someone got on a bus, that's not bloody funny. Or rather, it's bloody, but not funny.

(Was that a joke? I'm not sure.)

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:56 (twenty years ago)

I working, sort of. Its the easiest way, somehow, but then I've accounted for most of my friends and I think all my family except my sister.

One of my tasks this morning involves phoning the Department of Transport to enquire about their marketing arrangements. Fat chance.

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:56 (twenty years ago)

They are still saying "two dead, nine injured" here.

Michael Daddino (epicharmus), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:56 (twenty years ago)

Anyone heard from Gareth yet?

Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:56 (twenty years ago)

Fuck fuck fuck

I can get through, but only straight to voicemails now

tissp! (the impossible shortest specia), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:57 (twenty years ago)

gareth posted on an ilm thread early this morning, but he may have been at home at the time.

Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:58 (twenty years ago)

Now BBC reports National Express has suspended services in and out of London. This is screwy.

Dr C - speaking with my dad earlier, he reckoned Blackfriars area would be OK. My brother's at school pretty much right opposite the Globe, it should be alright.

William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:58 (twenty years ago)

One of my tasks this morning involves phoning the Department of Transport to enquire about their marketing arrangements. Fat chance.

haha

"Would the London Underground like to advertise with us?"

Stay home, dude.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:59 (twenty years ago)

My dad rang and didn't blame it on anyone. My mum rang and blamed it not on the ay-rabs but on anti-globalisation protestors.

Gatwick Express suspended.

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:59 (twenty years ago)

Bleaugh. It's just before 7 AM, I should go to work now.

Michael Daddino (epicharmus), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:59 (twenty years ago)

The Guardian news blog is providing good coverage. Best wishes to all.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/news/

mike t-diva (mike t-diva), Thursday, 7 July 2005 09:59 (twenty years ago)

I'm in Canary Wharf too, we have been advised not to go anywhere for now. Tim, if you need help later getting back to Peckham, my wife may pick me up from Greenwich, if it seems sensible by then.

Sam (chirombo), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:00 (twenty years ago)

Death count changed from two to "some".

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:00 (twenty years ago)

Had to walk from Marylebone Station to Wardour St, not really knowing what the hell was going on, buses either jammed with people or totally empty, lots of shops closed, all pubs closed, lots of security guards outside open shops. Just phoned the folks back in scotland who are not in and they don't have an answerphone dangnammit.

Also, a rumour is bouncing around concerning North London, everyone saying not to go there, can anyone elaborate?

mzui (mzui), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:00 (twenty years ago)

i never even made it in to work today as i leave so late compared to normal rush hour, so i'm in an internet cafe near my house. i've tried to text some london ilxors to see if folks are ok, but mobile svc is hit-or-miss (to say the least). like anna and others have said, i feel quite frustrated sitting around but what other options are there?

lauren not logged in, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:01 (twenty years ago)

20 dead, on the radio

N_RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:01 (twenty years ago)

So we need to hear from Gareth and Liz D like pronto. Thanks for the message from the Tessa, Ed.

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:01 (twenty years ago)

'The transport system has been disabled, please do not drive anywhere'

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:01 (twenty years ago)

Any word from The Pinefox?

Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:02 (twenty years ago)

Blair will leave the G8 meeting to go down to London.

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:03 (twenty years ago)

I understand that his first reaction probably isn't "must tell ILE", but has anyone heard from the pinefox?

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:03 (twenty years ago)

my brothers and my sister in law are ok, got through at last on a landline.

Ronan (Ronan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:04 (twenty years ago)

"Blair makes stop en route to pick up megaphone"

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:04 (twenty years ago)

yes, he's fine (pinefox).

lauren not logged in, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:04 (twenty years ago)

Blair stating that the "terrorist" attacks were deliberately timed to coincide with G8.

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:04 (twenty years ago)

Thanks Sam.

Rumours are that some of the buildings here aren't letting people out, which seems strange. Someone on our floor wandered out for a shaky cig and had to argue to be re-admitted to 1 C@nada Sq.

It's the getting across the river part of the journey which might be tricky.

Tim (Tim), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:05 (twenty years ago)

The Big Brother house is nice and serene. I'm off to Tesco.

grraham (noodles is a cunt), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:05 (twenty years ago)

Very surreal here - four PCs playing News 24 feed, all slightly out of sync with each other.

Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:06 (twenty years ago)

Just spoke to the Pinefox (meself). He was keen to hear my thoughts on the Gerrard affair.

Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:06 (twenty years ago)

G8 will go ahead without TB.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:07 (twenty years ago)

Blair looked very distressed indeed just now.

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:07 (twenty years ago)

marcello can you email me T&G's home number if you have a moment - to work (ie crafts council email)

my mobile is busted and i wd like to confirm i'm ok (they will be in east london and ok surely)

mark s (mark s), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:07 (twenty years ago)

blair is becoming more deluded by the day. does he seriously think terrorists have the capacity to "impose extremism on the world"?

Posadist, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:08 (twenty years ago)

(xpost)

i think they're away until next wednesday, but i'll email you straightway.

Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:08 (twenty years ago)

Tavistock bus was NOT a tourist one — it's got Stagecoach written on the side of what's left of it.

Hello Sunshine (Hello Sunshine), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:08 (twenty years ago)

Analysis/readtion to official responses to the Explosions in London.

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:09 (twenty years ago)

xpost

Yes, I think that tourist eyewitness may have been confused by the double-decker.

Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:10 (twenty years ago)

"Blair looked very distressed indeed just now."

Distressed indeed, but came across as more informed, focused and calmer than Bush after 9/11.

dmun drive-in (dmun), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:10 (twenty years ago)

Al-Qaeda have claimed responsibility in a 200 word statement apparently

sgs (sgs), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:10 (twenty years ago)

I hate how the media here in Australia (and probably elsewhere) is comparing this to 9/11 and Bali and shit, like on the ladder of all time greatest terrorist attacks, what number does it come in at.

The New and Improved / Kate (papa november), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:11 (twenty years ago)

just got hold of everyone, thank fuck

tissp! (the impossible shortest specia), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:12 (twenty years ago)

what number does it come in at

Pretty low, but fuck you anyway.

impose extremism on the world

At least the American dictum to shop no matter what has the advantage of not implying the terror has been "imposed" on you. That sounds like impolite company.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:12 (twenty years ago)

Uhh....I wasn't asking. I was saying that this is how the media react. Thanks Kenan.

The New and Improved / Kate (papa november), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:13 (twenty years ago)

Well Kate, this is pretty fucking huge - probably the biggest terrorist attack seen yet on British soil.

Mike Stuchbery (Mike Stuchbery), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:13 (twenty years ago)

I just half-heard some vague thing from CBS, maybe concerning the possibility of attacks in Italy and Denmark.

Michael Daddino (epicharmus), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:13 (twenty years ago)

Ambulance staff report "people still trapped at Kings Cross".

Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:13 (twenty years ago)

I WASN'T ASKING PERSONALLY.

The New and Improved / Kate (papa november), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:14 (twenty years ago)

My friend just by Oxford Circus is confined to her building as well - there's no news here about going anywhere or not though.

It's the crossing the river part that I'm a bit nervous about too, Tim, else I'd just start walking now.

East Croydon station has been shut on "reports" of a bomb there.

Lucretia My Reflection (Lucretia My Reflection), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:14 (twenty years ago)

BBC reporting Ambulance Service staff are at King's Cross as people still trapped.

DJ Martian (djmartian), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:14 (twenty years ago)

Pretty low, but fuck you anyway.

Chill Kenan, Kate wasn't asking!

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:15 (twenty years ago)

reports of another explosion in leicester sq

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:16 (twenty years ago)

Whoa, rewind - north london? What rumours?

Anna (Anna), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:16 (twenty years ago)

I think what Kate is complaining about is that the media is giving this a rating immediately.

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:16 (twenty years ago)

Still haven't got hold of some people :(

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:16 (twenty years ago)

yeah - what north london rumours? i'm IN north london at the moment, so i'd like more detail...

Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:17 (twenty years ago)

kate, i think/hope kenan's response was aimed at the aussie news media...

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:17 (twenty years ago)

Yes, exactly Andrew.

The New and Improved / Kate (papa november), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:17 (twenty years ago)

I'm not feeling panic at all. All I feel is wave after wave of relief as more names come in.

I'm giving up on getting back to SE London tonight. Mercifully I've been offered a sofa in Victoria.

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:17 (twenty years ago)

I think what Kate is complaining about is that the media is giving this a rating immediately.

Yeah, sorry Kate. You know I love you. I'm just really upset by this. You know, I ride a bus to work everyday.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:18 (twenty years ago)

East Croydon station has been shut on "reports" of a bomb there.

??? Where did you hear this?

William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:18 (twenty years ago)

kate whether it's 5,000 or 50 (which it's looking to be right now), i doesn't matter. it's still too many and still a bunch of familes devastated. there is no ranking system when it comes to people's grief.

stelf)xxx, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:18 (twenty years ago)

Well Kate, this is pretty fucking huge - probably the biggest terrorist attack seen yet on British soil.

Um, Warrington?

Sick Mouthy (Nick Southall), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:18 (twenty years ago)

Anyone else hear BBC was reporting the bus as blown by a suicide bomber?

Seuss, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:18 (twenty years ago)

whether it's 5,000 or 50 (which it's looking to be right now), i doesn't matter. it's still too many and still a bunch of familes devastated. there is no ranking system when it comes to people's grief.

stelf)xxx, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:19 (twenty years ago)

lads, ladies, you can't fight here, this is a WAR thread

Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:19 (twenty years ago)

i certainly haven't heard anything from leicester sq direction and i'm only 400 yds from it (coworkers heard the russell sq explosion)

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:19 (twenty years ago)

leicester sq just came up on here http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/news/archives/2005/07/07/bomb_blasts_plunge_london_into_chaos.html#more

stevie shaw (stevieshaw), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:19 (twenty years ago)

it's still not clear what's happened, really.

wtf leciester sq? and n london? i live in n london. don't fuck with it.

N_RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:19 (twenty years ago)

kate whether it's 5,000 or 50 (which it's looking to be right now), i doesn't matter. it's still too many and still a bunch of familes devastated. there is no ranking system when it comes to people's grief.


Uhhh...thats not what I meant.

The New and Improved / Kate (papa november), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:20 (twenty years ago)

I'd have thought I'd have heard (literally) if there'd been anything at Leicester Square - unless it was underground, of course.

Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:20 (twenty years ago)

No mention on any news channel about north London.

grraham (noodles is a cunt), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:21 (twenty years ago)

My apologies - Warrington appears to have been smaller in terms of casualties but not in damage to buildings.

I think people should wait before they try and Rate My Terrorist Attack yet though.

Sick Mouthy (Nick Southall), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:21 (twenty years ago)

lads, ladies, you can't fight here, this is a WAR thread

Is England going to bomb Afghanistan?

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:21 (twenty years ago)

Kate was clearly complaining about the media's desire to rank these events on some league table of terrorist atrocities, not joining in on it.

Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:22 (twenty years ago)

we appear to have got our retalliation in first there...

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:22 (twenty years ago)

Fucking hell guys. I might not be there but I certainly wouldn't be so insensitive as to rate this thing, One more time I'd like to say that I was simply commenting on how disgusting it is that our media likes to turn this kind of thing into a ratings thing.

xpost

Thank Martin, got it in one.

The New and Improved / Kate (papa november), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:23 (twenty years ago)

Inappropriate ignorance: I thought everything was already North London, IE north of the river. Is there a Central London, and where does North start?

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:23 (twenty years ago)

Delightfully they just interrupted a news report on CBS with commercials for Nivea and Denny's.

Michael Daddino (epicharmus), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:24 (twenty years ago)

there is no ranking system when it comes to people's grief.

This should be true but does sort of ignore the history of everything ever.

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:24 (twenty years ago)

North starts above the Circle Line, in my opinion.

Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:24 (twenty years ago)

Sky News radio report from 12PM for anyone who wants it:

http://podcast.burstinteractive.co.uk/mp3/News_20050707_122000.mp3

James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:25 (twenty years ago)

Kate was clearly complaining about the media's desire to rank these events on some league table of terrorist atrocities, not joining in on it.

Kate is both Kool and also the Gang. I truly apologize.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:25 (twenty years ago)

North London = north of Euston Road?

(in other words, north of the main northbound railway stations, and the Circle Line)

Forest Pines (ForestPines), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:25 (twenty years ago)

People are drinking sherry in the office. Someone just bought me a can of beans from Sainsbury in a panic-buying gesture.

Walking to SE19: 3 hours, maybe?

Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:26 (twenty years ago)

According to my workmate Wood Green station was closed at 8am, i.e. well before anything happened, so I assume they had some warning this was going to happen?

my co-worker said bank was closed at 7:30 this morning, not sure why.

called my mom, who hadn't heard and went into complete meltdown.

have walked home (all of 5 minutes away, which is why i bothered) by way of sainsburys to buy my lunch and the post office to mail tickets to sunday's manchester NIN gig. the guy said 'well, we're still guaranteeing it'll arrive by 1pm tomorrow, but i guess we'll see...' i was impressed.

have also heard the met is saying it was a suicide bomber.

colette (a2lette), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:26 (twenty years ago)

West and East London are also north of the Thames, Andrew.

Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:27 (twenty years ago)

n london starts at euston road, or maybe mornington cres.

N_RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:27 (twenty years ago)

Buses are apparently being used to ferry wounded to hospitals - ambulances reserved for life-threatening incidents. I presume this was part of the plan.

My sister's fine, and got off a bus in Islington. Thank fuck.

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:27 (twenty years ago)

This is Casey Kasem and a letter from a listener in Leicester Square reads like this.."Dear Casey,I am only 7 years old and my parents fight all the time,can you play a song that will help bring them together,signed Tamitha"..Well Tammy,climbing the charts at number 17 is The Clash with London's Burning on A(fghanistan)T(errorist) 40

glimco, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:27 (twenty years ago)

Random stations closing due to security alerts is reasonably common so Wood Green could've been an isolated coincidence, but yes, maybe not.

Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:27 (twenty years ago)

We're so British! Debates and London boundaries and sherry. Marvellous?

Do we have any reports from Liz?

Walk to SE15? Mike, I'm sure I speak for Alix too if I say you're welcome to stop at ours as a halfway house although I'm sure you're wanting to get back to Pam & Ava.

Lucretia My Reflection (Lucretia My Reflection), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:27 (twenty years ago)

I'm okay. Bad day :( take care.

jel, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:28 (twenty years ago)

I know for a fact that it's an hour and a half's walk to Streatham but I really don't want to do it.

Someone has just gone out to get lunch. We shall see what happens...

There were reported problems with the Northern Line when I was still on the bus about 8am.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:28 (twenty years ago)

I'm loath to type this as these sort of rumours are more often BS, but here goes, please don't shoot me, a co-worker of my g/f was called by her brother (who is a Met Policeman) this morning just prior to the news breaking, he said not to use any public transport, not to use major thoroughfares, not to believe the initial news reports as it most certainly is terrorists (okay we know that obv) but he added, don't walk into North London. I know it's vague, aoplogies. I'm sat here in a building in Wardour St, wondering if I should go and buy a change of underwear as I just don't see myself getting home tonight, and I'm worried that 'they' are going to kick off again at the evening rush hour.

mzui (mzui), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:29 (twenty years ago)

strange rumour of a man shot near canary wharf. i certainly hope it was tim doing the shooting and not the other way round.

Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:29 (twenty years ago)

7 explosions at least, I've just heard moorgate reported for the first time.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:29 (twenty years ago)

they are playing fucking cricket.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:31 (twenty years ago)

by 8.30 (when i saw the travel news just before i left the house) the piccadilly line was closed from arnos grove to town, donn't know if this was just broken...

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:31 (twenty years ago)

There's always some sort of problem on the tube anyway, so I suspect Wood Green was just one of those daily glitches.

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:31 (twenty years ago)

I guess maybe it's because I live in a big city, and even if I don't know what a bunch of bombs in subways can do firsthand, I now still know what they can do. And for whatever reason, this upset me terribly. The imagining of it has made me cry multiple times this morning. Maybe I'm overreacting, as usual.

Well Tammy,climbing the charts at number 17 is The Clash with London's Burning

Ok that made me laugh.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:31 (twenty years ago)

Mzui, I'm at 60 Wardour Street - where are you?

Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:32 (twenty years ago)

Kate if you can get a bus north you're welcome to stay at mine (if it's any easier)

Anna (Anna), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:34 (twenty years ago)

Film House, 142 Wardour

mzui (mzui), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:34 (twenty years ago)

From the London Transport website - might help some of you?

River Services

Thames Clippers are providing free travel on all boats to and from the following London piers:

* Savoy (Cleopatra’s Needle)
* Blackfriars
* Bankside (Tate Modern)
* London Bridge (south side near Hay’s Galleria)
* St Katharine Docks (Tower Bridge)
* Canary Wharf (Canary Riverside)
* Greenland (Surrey Quays)
* Masthouse Terrace (Isles of Dogs)
* Greenwich
* Woolwich Arsenal

Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:34 (twenty years ago)

I hate how the media here in Australia (and probably elsewhere) is comparing this to 9/11 and Bali and shit, like on the ladder of all time greatest terrorist attacks, what number does it come in at.

Hah, too right, I arrived at work and was dragged into a meeting by our head of Business Development (who I had a low opinion of ANYWAY), and everyone was talking about the attacks and she was all "Oh I was in New York for 9/11, let's get on with talking about marketing insect repellent".

Tom (Groke), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:36 (twenty years ago)

Official warning from the Met Police:

In relation to the incidents of the day:

Stay put and stay calm - do not try to travel if you have made it into central London.

Do not call the emergency services unless it is an emergency situation.

Casualty Bureau telephone number to be announced shortly.

Six sites - one bus.

Coordinated emergency response is in place.

Picture is confused due to multiple sites, but becoming clearer.

No speculation at this time to what has caused these incidents.

London emergency services have been on high alert for some time - no speciffic intelligence to indicate today's incidents.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:37 (twenty years ago)

don't walk into North London.

well, there's a lot of us in north london, so if anyone hears anything more substantial, please say here...rumors like that are pretty scary! (not shouting at you mzui, just observing)

was going to watch DVD of west wing, but i think the next episode is the school bombing one that always makes me cry anyway, so maybe i'll skip that.

it's weird to me that airports are still running.

colette (a2lette), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:37 (twenty years ago)

mzui I used to work in Film House! I was a runner for now-defunct SVC on the 1st floor!

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:38 (twenty years ago)

And thanks, Anna, but I'm been spooked enough by the North London rumours to just want to go home. I think if I can walk to Elephant or Brixton or so I can get a non-Central London bus from there.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:40 (twenty years ago)

saying it was a regular service bus now

Britain's Jauntiest Shepherd (Alan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:41 (twenty years ago)

hold tight london. anything that could hurt "north london" would hurt more than just "north london". so i wouldn't worry about that.

N_)RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:42 (twenty years ago)

an hour and a half's walk to streatham? it'll be double that for me as i have to walk back from hampstead argh! still i suppose it'll have to be shank's pony - as mentioned above, the possibility of the culprits, er, trying it again for the evening rush hour is not a pleasing prospect.

i think if it's all safe again by saturday and everyone's ok, all london ilxors should make an effort to come to trig brother.

Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:43 (twenty years ago)

if anyone in central london can't get home tonight, my house is walkable, and you're welcome to use my hospitality, just email me at my gmail address...

colette (a2lette), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:43 (twenty years ago)

Photo from the tube:

http://flickr.com/photos/qwghlm/24230239/

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:44 (twenty years ago)

"the possibility of the culprits, er, trying it again for the evening rush hour is not a pleasing prospect."

YOU HAVE A BOMB I HAVE A FIST

N_RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:44 (twenty years ago)

They've cancelled the Olympic homecoming party, obviously.

Mädchen (Madchen), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:44 (twenty years ago)

met police just released a statement saying there is a 'number' of fatalities.

it's a crime scene underground.

colette (a2lette), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:46 (twenty years ago)

5 FROST, JOHNSON CONFIRM TERRORISTS HAVE WON
--------------------------------------------

Sir David Frost said the annual party he and wife Carina were due to hold in London tonight had been cancelled.

He said: "As a mark of respect to those who have suffered in London today, we are cancelling this evening's party."

The party attracts a range of big players in both political and celebrity worlds.

Tory MP Boris Johnson said his Spectator magazine's summer party, due to be held tonight in London, has been postponed.

"We cannot go ahead after these appalling events," he said.

ends

Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:47 (twenty years ago)

It's going to be several weeks before the tube is up and running again, isn't it?

Mädchen (Madchen), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:48 (twenty years ago)

The Guardian blog says something about a short statement claiming responsibility, but didn't reproduce it. Anyone seen this?

tissp! (the impossible shortest specia), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:48 (twenty years ago)

well that's very big and generous of david frost and boris johnson i must say!

weeks? you mean months, don't you?

Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:49 (twenty years ago)

...someone on Metafilter said something about something happening in Rome. What the hell is happening?

Mike Stuchbery (Mike Stuchbery), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:49 (twenty years ago)

weird the frosts and the speccie have their parties on the same night. are there that many smug rich tories out there? now, i was going to see 'clean' in the cinema tonight, and probably won't now. i guess those terrorists have won.

N_RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:51 (twenty years ago)

all he wants to do is dance with a pretty bird
http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41276000/jpg/_41276837_passengers_300_ap_edgeware.jpg

dan bunnybrain (dan bunnybrain), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:52 (twenty years ago)

Beanz, I'm in a studio up on the fifth floor. :)

mzui (mzui), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:52 (twenty years ago)

No. 30 bus, say Transport for London, btw.

Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:52 (twenty years ago)

A couple of ramshackle outfits are likely to come forward and take responsibility to boost their rep, as always happens. I think one has already.

Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:53 (twenty years ago)

My God that picture is horrible.

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:53 (twenty years ago)

horrible.

Raymond Cummings (Raymond Cummings), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:53 (twenty years ago)

well, there's a lot of us in north london, so if anyone hears anything more substantial, please say here...rumors like that are pretty scary! (not shouting at you mzui, just observing)

I know Collette, I'm sorry.

mzui (mzui), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:53 (twenty years ago)

Dom's linked picture btw.

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:53 (twenty years ago)

via KJ The Gathering email list:

they've just said on sky news that world wires (italy, spain) at least 50 dead plus countless injuries

also NewsNow have set up a "London Explosions" news feed

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/newsfeed/?name=London+Explosions

DJ Martian (djmartian), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:54 (twenty years ago)

BRITAIN-BLAST-CLAIM
Unknown group claims London attack in Qaeda's name-ANSA

MILAN, July 7 (Reuters) - A previously unknown group claimed responsibility in the name of al Qaeda for a series of blasts in London that killed at least two people and wounded 185, the Italian news agency ANSA reported on Thursday.

The "Secret Group of al Qaeda's Jihad in Europe" claimed the attack in a Web site posting and warned Italy and Denmark to withdraw their troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, ANSA said.

The claim could not be verified and did not appear on any of the Web sites normally used by al Qaeda.

Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:55 (twenty years ago)

I just realized this may affect the flow of delicious lemon curd that i eat weekly on shortbreads..IF YOU F****** TERRORBOYZZ HAVE MESSED WID MY LEMON CURD SUPPLY THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY

dan bunnybrain (dan bunnybrain), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:55 (twenty years ago)

My friend is standing looking at John McCririck. He's fine.

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:56 (twenty years ago)

As steve says, probably rubbish. I only post it cause "Secret Group of al Qaeda's Jihad in Europe" = best name ever.

Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:56 (twenty years ago)

http://www.repubblica.it/

Mädchen (Madchen), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:56 (twenty years ago)

You don't need me to translate that, do you?

Mädchen (Madchen), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:56 (twenty years ago)

they must have been diverting the busses away from euston, hence earlier report of it being a 205

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:56 (twenty years ago)

Charles Clarke in commons: Tube off for some time, def today. Buses all off, no decision on when they're starting again. Trains running, but most stations closed, to reopen soon. All airports open.

stet (stet), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:57 (twenty years ago)

The bus picture they have on sky news are horrific.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:57 (twenty years ago)

Fuck, I thought that was going to be Rome for a second.

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:57 (twenty years ago)

charles clarke in the house just said 4, aldgate, edgware, kings x and the bus.

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:58 (twenty years ago)

http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Explosions%2C_%27serious_incidents%27_occuring_across_London

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:58 (twenty years ago)

Typical blimming Italians not waiting for confirmation of numbers though - speak first, backtrack later...

Mädchen (Madchen), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:58 (twenty years ago)

(I hope)

Mädchen (Madchen), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:58 (twenty years ago)

Yeah, apparently the reports of 50 dead in Rome were misinterpretation of Rome agencies reporting 50 dead in London. I hope to God that's true anyway...

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:59 (twenty years ago)

I can't even think about the transport implications for tomorrow, the weekend, next week...

Hugh Dallas (blueski), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:59 (twenty years ago)

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/9121/bus38xf.jpg

James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 10:59 (twenty years ago)

Yes, there's no way those figures are right.

Met boss confirmed seven explosions earlier ... so what happened at the other three?

stet (stet), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:00 (twenty years ago)

Haha yes what we need in this time of uncertainty and misinformation is Wikipedia!

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:00 (twenty years ago)

Is that a different bus from this one, or just from an unfamiliar angle?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fgt/24230755/in/pool-74918957@N00/

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:00 (twenty years ago)

Just to confirm:

5 POLICE EXPLOSION MET LEAD

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We have had reports of explosions at six tube stations - at Russell Square, King's Cross, Moorgate, Aldgate, Liverpool Street and Edgware Road.

"Whether there were six separate explosions - or whether some explosions in tunnels were reported at more then one station - is not clear. We currently have operations at six different stations.

"There is also one confirmed explosion on a bus in Tavistock Square."

mfl

Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:00 (twenty years ago)

Still no word from Liz?

sgs (sgs), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:01 (twenty years ago)

charles clarke in the house just said 4, aldgate, edgware, kings x and the bus.

I was wondering if an explosion on a train between Kings Cross and Russell Square ended up being interpreted as an explosion at each.

Forest Pines (ForestPines), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:01 (twenty years ago)

The British Transport Police said anyone worried about friends or relatives caught up in the attacks should call 0208 358 0101.

Hello Sunshine (Hello Sunshine), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:02 (twenty years ago)

"Whether there were six separate explosions - or whether some explosions in tunnels were reported at more then one station - is not clear.

Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:02 (twenty years ago)

La Stampa has outdone La Repubblica and is reporting "almeno 140 morti" ffs.

I hope Liz is OK.

Mädchen (Madchen), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:03 (twenty years ago)

Clarke said:

1 between Liverpool Street and Aldgate East
1 between Kings X and Russell Square
1 at Edgware Road
1 on a bus on Woburn Place

Dave B (daveb), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:04 (twenty years ago)

Is that a different bus from this one, or just from an unfamiliar angle?

nope that's the same one

Chuck_Tatum (Chuck_Tatum), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:05 (twenty years ago)

that bottom picture on wikinews page, yikes

http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Image:Trapped_underground.jpg

nasty memories of earlier king's cross tragedy.

koogs (koogs), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:06 (twenty years ago)

Leaders speaking at G8. This should be interesting.

dmun drive-in (dmun), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:06 (twenty years ago)

radio 4 is confusing. they just said 'breaking news...explosion at liverpool st' which i thought was another one, but i think it's their 'here's what happened this morning' thing instead.

colette (a2lette), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:07 (twenty years ago)

I am dreading Bush's speech.

Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:07 (twenty years ago)

Andy, that pic's caption says that the chap in question was successfully evacuated with no more than smoke inhalation.

Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:08 (twenty years ago)

Ben and Rachel are fine. I'm worried about Liz.

marianna lcl (marianna lcl), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:08 (twenty years ago)

yes, sorry, dave right

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:08 (twenty years ago)

Do you think Chirac feels a little bad now for the anti-british comments he made this week?

dmun drive-in (dmun), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:09 (twenty years ago)

seeing them all together..it's somehow heartening and extraordinary.

Masked Gazza, Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:09 (twenty years ago)

good to hear about Ben and Rachel. Ben works for LU right?

Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:09 (twenty years ago)

An image from one of the trains
http://www-us.flickr.com/photos/qwghlm/24230239/

stet (stet), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:10 (twenty years ago)

Anyone other than Liz and Gareth still unaccounted for? I'm racking my brains...

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:10 (twenty years ago)

Only Blair speaks, Chirac and Bush in immediate background.

Jarlr'mai (jarlrmai), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:11 (twenty years ago)

Think how many people will be stuck in cafes and pubs not able to get anywhere - I'm sure Liz will be one of them.

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:11 (twenty years ago)

Do you think Chirac feels a little bad now for the anti-british comments he made this week?

Well just because terrorists attack the capital it doesn't mean our food stops being rubbish. In fact, it only increases our resolve to charge £3.75 for a cholestorol sandwich in deep fried batter.

Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:12 (twenty years ago)

Just got a text off Lex to say he's OK and in Docklands.

William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:13 (twenty years ago)

Hi Chuck! S is with L at my place, both safe.

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:13 (twenty years ago)

Very much hoping that's the case Matt. Still heard nothing.

robster (robster), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:13 (twenty years ago)

Barima!

marianna lcl (marianna lcl), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:14 (twenty years ago)

(yeah, mark, i realise that. it's just that can you imagine being in a tube carriage full of smoke like that? no wonder steve's afraid of them 8)

very remisiscent of that photo of fireman walking up the stairs in WTC. he got out alive too.)

more images: http://www.flickr.com/groups/74918957@N00/pool/

koogs (koogs), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:16 (twenty years ago)

I wish I hadn't lost my phone and all my numbers now... shite.

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:16 (twenty years ago)

For all those who are heading to South London tonight - down here in Borough/South Bank everything is very calm, I can see that the trains are still running out of Blackfriars to Elephant & Castle and beyond, so hopefully you should be fine.

Now I just gotta figure out if I will be able to cycle over Southwark bridge, though the city to Old St and beyond this afternoon.

marianna, Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:16 (twenty years ago)

**Fucking hell DR C you and your son have my absolute best wishes. I'm glad he's OK but he must be fucking petrified. **

**Happy to hear he's safe DrC**

Thanks. Just spoke to him - they're walking from Globe to Waterloo and thence back to school. Phew! Still some concern, but at least they're OK. Two other forms in his year were going to the Museum of London at the London Wall nr M'Gate, but turned back en route.

Mrs. Dr. C was supposed to be going to a meeting in Russell Sq this morning, but it was cancelled last night.

Dr. C (Dr. C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:17 (twenty years ago)

My boss wants to close the office but it's impossible for me to go anywhere – walking home would take me through quite a few hot spots I think

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:17 (twenty years ago)

Hello.
I spoke to KenC earlier today, and he's heading home.

Calumn, Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:17 (twenty years ago)

it is pouring with rain

ever since i wz small i have had an inexplicable superstitious conviction that nothing evil can happen when it's raining hard :(

(that isn't rain-related i mean)

mark s (mark s), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:18 (twenty years ago)

Someone has come round and asked everyone where they live, and how they could get home. I said that IF THE BRIDGES ARE OPEN (does anyone know?) I could walk to somewhere South that I could get a bus.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:18 (twenty years ago)

"Rejoice, community of Muslims," the letter states. "The heroic mujahedeens today conducted an attack in London," it continues. All of Great Britain is now shaken and shocked, "in the north, the south, west and east." "We've warned the British government and the British people time and again," the letter adds. "We've kept our promise and have carried out a blessed military operation."


"We continue to warn the governments of Denmark and Italy and all other crusader governments." We demand that all countries pull their troops out of Afghanistan and Iraq, states the letter, which has been signed by the "Secret Organization -- al Qaida in Europe."

brownskinned boy, Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:18 (twenty years ago)

Has anything blown up for the last hour or so?

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:20 (twenty years ago)

i woke up this morning to the news on the radio and my heart absolutely sank. this is a miserable feeling even in toronto. best wishes to everyone in london, and stay safe.

mark p (Mark P), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:21 (twenty years ago)

i don't think anything's blown up for a couple of hours...

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:21 (twenty years ago)

x-post All I know is Waterloo is open.

Dr. C (Dr. C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:22 (twenty years ago)

Has anything blown up for the last hour or so?

Not here, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared.

i woke up this morning to the news on the radio and my heart absolutely sank.

Welcome to here.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:23 (twenty years ago)

A friend emailed to say 'friends dad works for met and says there's more to come so stay where you are'. But who really knows? everyone's in such a state of fear / shock that rumours like this are flying around, lots of 'friend of friends' etc.

Emma, Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:24 (twenty years ago)

has anyone spoken to gareth yet? i've called and tried to text, to no avail, but i'm putting that down to phone problems.

stelf)xxxx, Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:25 (twenty years ago)

BBC Radio is brilliant. I've learned more from 20 minutes of Radio 4 than from all morning watching News 24. The reports are coherent and informative, no waffle, no wondering. The telly on the other hand is basically just bewildered desk jockeys describing pictures in front of them and filling wildly.

To be fair, I suppose the radio people can just have an office in a storm feeding sheets of paper to one man, who then reads them out. But it's very impressive.

(It's also somehow more real to hear a BBC announcer on the radio talking of 'explosions in central london'. Perhaps because of all those TV movies like Threads that use the radio to announce doom.)

xpost: the Al-qaeda MO is to hit once and early in the morning. I don't see a reason for them to change that today, especially with the streets emptying.

stet (stet), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:25 (twenty years ago)

this is the sort of thing which puts HORRIBLE DOG into its correct perspective.

ok, iain sinclair-type advice please: best/quickest/easiest way of walking from hampstead to A Bridge without having to go through central london?

Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:26 (twenty years ago)

I think it's time to talk about al Qaeda. This ain't about the IRA. But London has a better security system then New York ever did BECAUSE of the IRA. Which means that al Qaeda is even craftier than America ever gave them credit for.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:26 (twenty years ago)

Is the North London line still running?

Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:28 (twenty years ago)

I think it's time to talk about al Qaeda

I don't think it is, yet.

JimD (JimD), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:28 (twenty years ago)

What kind of security system can be put in place to prevent attacks on a train?

Michael Daddino (epicharmus), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:29 (twenty years ago)

"the Gospel Oak to Barking line is currently running to the timetable" according to Silverlink.

Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:29 (twenty years ago)

Ken livingstone was looking visibly upset in singapore, just on the reuters feed.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:30 (twenty years ago)

i'm with Jim on this i think, there's always that thread andrew started for that sort of thing.

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:30 (twenty years ago)

xxpost

Could just be people overreacting.. but I read on p*pbitch earlier that apparently there might be more attacks planned at going home time, to cause even more chaos.

jellybean (jellybean), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:30 (twenty years ago)

I think it might be time for Kenan to go to the other thread, for people who are interested in the larger picture.

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:30 (twenty years ago)

I don't think it is, yet.

Why not? Because it's ugly?

What kind of security system can be put in place to prevent attacks on a train?

Ain't that just the question.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:31 (twenty years ago)

That letter sounds so bogus.

Learned about this as soon as I woke up an hour ago. This was completely, utterly unexpected! Nice to see everyone checking in, though.

Yuck, Bush is speaking.

Ian Riese-Moraine has been xeroxed into a conduit! (Eastern Mantra), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:31 (twenty years ago)

Apparently the river buses are running a free service

beanz (beanz), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:32 (twenty years ago)

the world service feed i'm listening to (can't get normal bbc on my computer for annoying reasons) just referred to the tube as "the london underground railway"

CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:32 (twenty years ago)

I've tried texting Gareth too, no answer. Everything's crossed right now.

I'm stuck over here in West London, fortunately colleague has car so I can get a lift round the North Circ.

chris/porkpie/cabbage, Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:32 (twenty years ago)

Thank you, Andrew. That's perfect.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:32 (twenty years ago)

Haha yes what we need in this time of uncertainty and misinformation is Wikipedia popbitch!

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:33 (twenty years ago)

Al Qaeda don't exist.

Sick Mouthy (Nick Southall), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:33 (twenty years ago)

God Bush is sooo bad at this.

Jarlr'mai (jarlrmai), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:33 (twenty years ago)

Why not? Because it's ugly?

No, because I've still got a few friends I haven't heard back from, and so right now I don't give a fuck who did it, I just want as much news as possible, which is what I'm on this thread for. I don't think it's the place for detached theorising, especially as, have people have pointed out, there's another thread that already exists for that.

JimD (JimD), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:34 (twenty years ago)

Are the mobile lines still down? I've texted some of the people I know in London to check they're okay - good to see some of you on here already - but no replies yet from those in London today.

hobart paving (hobart paving), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:34 (twenty years ago)

Today's date reads the same way in both the British and American style of specifing dates: 7/7. How thoughtful of the attackers to aim towards minimum date confusion.

Ain't that just the question.

Well, yeah, exactly -- doesn't that render the question of London having a better security system than New York kinda moot?

Michael Daddino (epicharmus), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:35 (twenty years ago)

the world service feed i'm listening to (can't get normal bbc on my computer for annoying reasons) just referred to the tube as "the london underground railway"

This is more correct than saying "the tube" though - only one of the three bombs that went off on the Underground went off on a Tube line.

</inappropriate pedantry>

Forest Pines (ForestPines), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:35 (twenty years ago)

a co-worker suggested walking along the canal as a good way to get east/west enough of town to go south, if that helps? should be pretty quiet...

colette (a2lette), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:35 (twenty years ago)

HOLY SHIT DID YOU HEAR OUR PRESIDENT? Dude managed to work fucking TALKING POINTS into it. I have never had less respect for anyone.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:35 (twenty years ago)

bush was spectacularly incoherrent

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:35 (twenty years ago)

so I can get a lift round the North Circ.

oof, hope it's not gridlocked or will be by then.


Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:36 (twenty years ago)

Jesus, is this really necessary? :

MUSLIMS WARNED TO STAY INDOORS

By Mark Sage, PA

British Muslims were issued with a stark warning to stay indoors today, amid fears of reprisals following the London bombings.

Massoud Shadjareh, chairman of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, appealed for calm and condemned the bombings.

He said: "The Islamic Human Rights Commission utterly condemns this attack, but now we appeal that there should be no further victims as a result of reprisals."

There was no immediate confirmation of who was responsible for the attacks, but a claim was made on the Al-Qal'ah - Fortress - internet site, by a group calling themselves the Secret Organisation Group of Al-Qa'ida of Jihad Organisation in Europe.

Mr Shadjareh said some members of the Muslim community suffered a backlash following the September 11 2001 terror attacks in the United States, and the Madrid train bombing in March 2004.

He said he was "very concerned about a backlash" and called on British Muslims to "remain vigilant and calm and stay indoors".

He said: "IHRC is advising Muslims not to travel or go out unless necessary, and is particularly concerned that women should not go out alone in this climate.

"In the event of being attacked, IHRC urges victims not to retaliate and to report the matter to the police and appropriate authorities."

Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:36 (twenty years ago)

Security alert in France switched to red, apparently.

Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:37 (twenty years ago)

i woke up this morning to the news on the radio and my heart absolutely sank. this is a miserable feeling even in toronto. best wishes to everyone in london, and stay safe.

-- mark p (mark.p****...), July 7th, 2005.

this sentiment seconded. best wishes, london ilxors.

latebloomer: the Clonus Horror (latebloomer), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:37 (twenty years ago)

CNN.com: "BLASTS ROCK LONDON" in a huge fuck-off font-size. Can we PLEASE have a permanent ban on using the word "rock" when describing terrorist incidents?

Michael Daddino (epicharmus), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:37 (twenty years ago)

It's weird to see Central London so quiet - even at lunch hour, everyone is in pubs huddled round television sets.

No traffic. No busses.

It's quieter than the day the Congestion Charge kicked in. :-|

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:38 (twenty years ago)

hampstead to a bridge... i'd aim for albert bridge in a big loop going hampstead west hampstead kilburn queens park royal oak ladbroke grove notting hill across the park south ken etc... would take a couple of hours but you'd miss out all the central stuff.

jaytoday, Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:39 (twenty years ago)

I'm imagining next week's Onion headlines: "BLOODY FOOKIN HELL"

Michael Daddino (epicharmus), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:40 (twenty years ago)

HOLD THE FRONT PAGE

13 POLICE EXPLOSION REACTION

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prince William, who is on tour in New Zealand, was said to be "very concerned" at the events.

A Clarence House spokesman said he had cancelled a visit to go whale watching on the south island in light of what had happened.

Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:40 (twenty years ago)

is it 2 years since those power cuts took out the tube? everyone ended up huddled in pubs then

Britain's Jauntiest Shepherd (Alan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:41 (twenty years ago)

Livingstone was superb; I had goose bumps. Contrast that to the fucking monkey spastic.

Dave B (daveb), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:42 (twenty years ago)

Does anyone else feel like punching everyone at Fox Nose in the Nose whenever they say "homicide bomber"?

no tech! (ex machina), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:42 (twenty years ago)

I'm off home: boat across the river then a longish, wet walk from Rotherhithe to Peckham Rye. Good luck all.

Tim (Tim), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:43 (twenty years ago)

Ken was great, aye.

RickyT (RickyT), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:44 (twenty years ago)

hampstead to a bridge... i'd aim for albert bridge in a big loop going hampstead west hampstead kilburn queens park royal oak ladbroke grove notting hill across the park south ken etc... would take a couple of hours but you'd miss out all the central stuff.

-- jaytoday (jaytoda...), July 7th, 2005.

yeah i thought it would probably be best to head west, think i'll give that a try, presuming they haven't sealed off the parks as well. thanks!

Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:44 (twenty years ago)

im ok

and, i think, i might have been really fucking lucky today, though i still don't really know what happened

i got the victoria line this morning, and as we were pulling up towards kings cross they said station closed, non stopping, but nothing looked amiss, that i could see, though i didnt really realise at this point what was happening

at euston, they were evacuating, but no one got off our train, and it carried on to warren st, then we waited ages there, then we were evacuated at warren st. i walked across towards russell square thinking i'd get a 91 home, as the buses by warren st were looking full

loads of police everywhere, thats when i saw the bus with its top off, it had been cordoned off, and it still wasnt clear what was happening. walked down towards russell square station, and that was cordoned off as well, and police/ambulance everywhere, so i walked back up towards kings cross, but everywhere there were cordons, even down little streets, and there were people everywhere

kings cross was all cordoned off, and people were now talking abuot power surges, but i saw that bus. then people were talking about edgware road, about aldgate, about liverpool st, but i couldnt get any signal on EITHER phone

i realised my work was going to be inundated with stuff, and spent the rest of the morning trying to get into work on cabs, buses, etc, but to no avail,

somehow i only got home just now

charltonlido (gareth), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:44 (twenty years ago)

glad you're ok g, still waiting for news on Liz and Barima and a couple of others i think


I'm imagining next week's Onion headlines: "BLOODY FOOKIN HELL"

you are a treat Sir

Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:45 (twenty years ago)

can anyone tell me what happened at kings cross?

charltonlido (gareth), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:46 (twenty years ago)

an explosion there with two trains colliding apparently.

Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:47 (twenty years ago)

I wonder if that was coincidence or planned....

no tech! (ex machina), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:48 (twenty years ago)

A train was bombed just outside Kings Cross; a mate has texted to say she was on it - they got out and wlaked down to Russell Square on the track, so presume the bomb was further back on the train.

Dave B (daveb), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:48 (twenty years ago)

"CNN.com: "BLASTS ROCK LONDON" in a huge fuck-off font-size. Can we PLEASE have a permanent ban on using the word "rock" when describing terrorist incidents?"

Rockist

Jarlr'mai (jarlrmai), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:49 (twenty years ago)

Barima!
-- marianna lcl (mary_goodshoe...), July 7th, 2005.

I'm cool, DJ. It's been a little confused at work today, but we're in Victoria, so we're all relatively safe. Thanks for thinking of me. Glad to hear Alex is fine, since I was wondering if things at his end were screwed up. Wondering how Liz is. I've been following this on "Posh Friendster", so now I'm wondering how my City compadres are faring.

BARMS, Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:49 (twenty years ago)

I'm still crying. I need to get ahold of myself, but I can't quite. The news is so so bad. So upseting.

Paunchy Stratego (kenan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:53 (twenty years ago)

I'm glad everyone here's okay. Coming into work and reading this thread was too much like another morning a few years ago spent on ilx. ..

Miss Misery (thatgirl), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:54 (twenty years ago)

Gareth - can you try checking on H&K? The charity they work at is based at Aldgate and I'm a bit worried. No answer by phone, unsurprisingly.

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:54 (twenty years ago)

Separately, the London Fire Service said it was responding to a report of an explosion on a bus at Russell Square. Chamberlin heard a loud explosion in central London. Witnesses told him they saw a heavily damaged double-decker bus.


????

no tech! (ex machina), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:55 (twenty years ago)

Does anyone else feel like punching everyone at Fox Nose in the Nose whenever they say "homicide bomber"?

That's the dumbest fucking thing I've ever heard! Leave it to Fox News to come up with a phrase as insipid as that!

Ian Riese-Moraine has been xeroxed into a conduit! (Eastern Mantra), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:56 (twenty years ago)

Good lord.

I'm beyond horrified, of course, but I'm also a bit selfishly concerned about my visit, and I hope that doesn't sound too grotesque.

FWIW, I arrive in London tomorrow around 12 noon barring any delay. Given what's happened, I wonder if I shouldn't just see if I can find a direct way via cab or shuttle or soemthing from Heathrow to Stevie Chick's place in Wimbledon, and then chill there for the rest of the day, if the Underground has been totally shut down still.

Any thoughts on this would be welcome -- in fact, if there's someone I can call when I arrive who could give me a rundown on the best transport options, I'd really appreciate it (Stevie himself is currently in Stockholm and will be through late Friday night; we've already made arrangements re: his place). I'm not asking for a ride from the airport but I can only imagine what the heck everything's like there now.

Sorry, this has obviously knocked me for a terrible loop, and I can only imagine what everyone else is thinking. Need to finish up here at home before heading out to work. I might start a separate thread or post on the previous 'Ned in London' thread or something.

Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:56 (twenty years ago)

Livingstone was very, very good. The contrast with Blair was stark.

xpost Heathrow Express is running, Ned

stet (stet), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:58 (twenty years ago)

Leave it to Fox News to come up with a phrase as insipid as that!

Fox Nose, please!

no tech! (ex machina), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:59 (twenty years ago)

Ned, are you a protagonist in the Left Behind novels?

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 11:59 (twenty years ago)

Ned, *if* the trains are running, your best bet will probably be to get a shuttle bus to Feltham from Heathrow, and then train to Wimbledon, changing at Clapham Junction.

RickyT (RickyT), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:01 (twenty years ago)

Not planning on that, Andrew! Yeeps!

xpost Heathrow Express is running, Ned

Thanks. I'll check some web pages and schedules at work as I can (but if anyone can scare anything up in the interim that would be great).

Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:01 (twenty years ago)

Can we PLEASE have a permanent ban on using the word "rock" when describing terrorist incidents?

The BBC are doing it now.

tissp! (the impossible shortest specia), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:01 (twenty years ago)

South west trains running now so should be fine to do a RickyT says tomorrow, ned

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:02 (twenty years ago)

Heathrow Express not much use to Wimbledon if the tubes aren't running.

RickyT (RickyT), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:03 (twenty years ago)

I hope the American networks RUN with the Livingstone response.

suzy (suzy), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:04 (twenty years ago)

just replayed the reuters feed of Ken's statement he was fucking brilliant

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:06 (twenty years ago)

is there a link for ken livingstone (and bush)?

N_RQ, Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:07 (twenty years ago)

I'm heading home now and though there might be a bit of a walk am feeling lucky to be in one piece, you know?

SE beers in the Montague Arms on Queens Road SE15/my house if you fancy it :) Text if you need address (if my phone works that is)

Lucretia My Reflection (Lucretia My Reflection), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:08 (twenty years ago)

Is there a transcript for Livingstone?

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:08 (twenty years ago)

I've been told I can go home. Should I go now?

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:10 (twenty years ago)

although what livingstone said was great, it was also the way he delivered it that a transcript wouldn't adequately convey.

Britain's Jauntiest Shepherd (Alan), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:11 (twenty years ago)

Did he have a WWII helmet on?

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:12 (twenty years ago)

It's 2pm now. If I start walking now, I might be home by 4pm. If I have to walk through Brixton, etc. I'd rather do it before it gets dark. (Even though it won't get dark until about 8pm.)

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:13 (twenty years ago)

Probably best to, if you want to get home during daylight.. xxpost kate

mark grout (mark grout), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:14 (twenty years ago)

work just bought pizza for everyone* - i had mine so i am now goin to walk home

my internet at home wz not workin owing to upgrade and reconfigure issues so i may bo offline till mon - keep safe ppl!!

ned we will have to busk monday morning - if we don't see each other then i'; catch you yr return leg

*(everyone at my work i mean, not everyone on the thread) (sorry)

mark s (mark s), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:15 (twenty years ago)

Here's a transcript anyway. It seemed fairly pointedly a response to Blair's speech from Gleneagles.

"I want to say one thing: This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty or the powerful, it is not aimed at presidents or prime ministers, it was aimed at ordinary working-class Londoners," Livingstone told reporters.

"That isn't an ideology, it isn't even a perverted faith, it's mass murder," Livingstone said. "We know what the objective is. They seek to divide London."

Livingstone said the attack was aimed at ordinary Londoners.

"Black and white, Muslim and Christian, Hindus and Jews, young and old," he said. It was an "indiscriminate attempt to slaughter irrespective of any considerations for age, class, religion -- whatever."

Livingstone said he was being kept informed of developments in London via a communications team set up in case an emergency occurred when he was out of the city.

"I have no doubt whatsoever that this is a terrorist attack," he said.

Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:15 (twenty years ago)

Livingstone was moving and inspirational, my respect for him has rocketed 1000%.

Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:16 (twenty years ago)

The best bit of his speach was where he told the terrorists to look at all those people arriving every day to become Londoners.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:20 (twenty years ago)

Any news from liz yet?

PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:20 (twenty years ago)

More Livingstone:

"London has been the target of a cowardly terrorist attack. Londoners have responded calmly and courageously."

"I commend the professionalism, courage of the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London staff, the Ambulance, Fire and other emergency services."

"Innocent people going from all of London's communities have been targeted by this indiscriminate attack. I urge Londoners from all of this city's diverse communities and faiths to support one another and stand together against terrorism."

mike t-diva (mike t-diva), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:21 (twenty years ago)

Heard about this in the car on the way to work this a.m. Relieved to hear that you're all fine, hope Gareth, Rima, and Liz turn up unharmed. Big virtual transatlantic hugs to all of you.

roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:29 (twenty years ago)

1424 Suddenly, the terrible scale of today's attack becomes clear. Ambulance sources suggest 23 people have been killed at King's Cross, nine at Edgware road, seven at Aldgate, two at Russell Square. There are hundreds - possibly more than a thousand - injured.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:33 (twenty years ago)

Gareth and Barima posted up above and are fine. We are still worried about Liz, but this is cutting people off, and there will be far, far more people unable to contact anyone, stuck in awkward places, than people hurt.

Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:35 (twenty years ago)

(big massive fuckoff xpost there, glad to hear youre fine gareth and rima)

roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:36 (twenty years ago)

Where's that from, Kate?

Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:39 (twenty years ago)

Guardian Newsblog, Andrew.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:42 (twenty years ago)

Ian Blair's statement, Andrew.

Ed (dali), Thursday, 7 July 2005 12:48 (twenty years ago)

Explosion at Liverpool Street - Thread Two

Thought I'd never get here...

mark grout (mark grout), Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:00 (twenty years ago)

Oh fuck off.

Venga (Venga), Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:10 (twenty years ago)

And yet, these ogres who think 'sell, sell' when most think 'hope my loved one are alright' are alledgedly people government's mustn't fuck over else they'll get panicky and cause a recession.

A plague on all your fucking finance houses.

Dave B (daveb), Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:13 (twenty years ago)

Hi roxy.

A co-worker has just announced the restarting of some train services, apparently from Charing Cross.

Ken's speech may be nice, but right now, it's all speechifying. Without meaning to be offensive or snide and being genuinely a bit curious, what's he doing, besides lifting the c-charge for the day?

Venga otm.

BARMS, Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:14 (twenty years ago)

What can a mayoe do? The key 'issues' are enabling the rescue effort and trying to investigate the scene of crime to find evidence such a smay be available. Those are just oredinary job being done in extraordinary circumstanecs and aren't amenable to Mayoral intervention really; all he can do is speechify,.

Dave B (daveb), Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:17 (twenty years ago)

Just heard Bush - what a fucking cockhead that man is - clearly living in some alternate reality. the way that the rhetoric is being twisted around towards 'look we're up here in Gleneagles doing GOOD things' is really sickening.

Dr. C (Dr. C), Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:18 (twenty years ago)

What can a mayoe do?

Well, I suppose being edible is a good start...


(Sorry man, this is all kinda shock talk)

BARMS, Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:21 (twenty years ago)

The best thing a mayor can do right now is speechify and give Londoners someone to rally around when we're being totally sickened by the reactions of world and national leaders.

MIS Information (kate), Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:22 (twenty years ago)

1424 Suddenly, the terrible scale of today's attack becomes clear. Ambulance sources suggest 23 people have been killed at King's Cross, nine at Edgware road, seven at Aldgate, two at Russell Square. There are hundreds - possibly more than a thousand - injured.

They haven't issued the official numbers in Britain, but UK authorities have told the American press that there's 40 dead. So far.

Ian Riese-Moraine has been xeroxed into a conduit! (Eastern Mantra), Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:22 (twenty years ago)

Could people use the second thread now?

RickyT (RickyT), Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:25 (twenty years ago)

s'ok. Hearing Bush go on about those of us who value human rights is just fucking Orwellian. Cuntmuyppet (that's him and the fucking cuntmuppets who elected the twat).

Dave B (daveb), Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:25 (twenty years ago)

Could people use the second thread now?

Can we lock this one so we don't have to keep checking two?

tissp! (the impossible shortest specia), Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:26 (twenty years ago)

Good call.

Dave B (daveb), Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:27 (twenty years ago)

i'm reluctant to lock it because this tends to bring ILX down!

Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:27 (twenty years ago)

This thread has been locked by a moderator

Worth a try (afarrell), Thursday, 7 July 2005 13:30 (twenty years ago)

Explosion at Liverpool Street - Thread Two

Rufus 3000 (Mr Noodles), Thursday, 7 July 2005 15:36 (twenty years ago)

nine years pass...

10 years ago today.

Hey Bob (Scik Mouthy), Monday, 6 July 2015 12:48 (ten years ago)

Tomorrow, rather.

Hey Bob (Scik Mouthy), Monday, 6 July 2015 12:48 (ten years ago)

Certain posts on this + follow-up thread make fairly tough reading

rahrah avis (imago), Monday, 6 July 2015 13:57 (ten years ago)

Actually, the follow-up thread is probably the single most awful and traumatic thing on ILX. RIP

rahrah avis (imago), Monday, 6 July 2015 14:04 (ten years ago)

Yeah, there have been some pretty harrowing events unveiled in real time on this website over the years, but this does seem like the most awful. I can't believe it's a decade ago now; it seems simultaneously both much closer and much further away than that, somehow.

Hey Bob (Scik Mouthy), Monday, 6 July 2015 15:15 (ten years ago)

The last time I went over to London before this, I stayed at Liz and Rob's house. I think I remember getting them a Ghibli DVD as thanks. That (and a decade) are about as much excuse as I can muster for being a nerve-rattling prick on these threads. Sorry about that.

Andrew Farrell, Monday, 6 July 2015 15:24 (ten years ago)

I don't think anyone needs to apologise for their deportment on these threads; it was a different time, and a very intense experience. Emotions were high.

Hey Bob (Scik Mouthy), Monday, 6 July 2015 15:43 (ten years ago)

awful days. rip liz, hope rob is doing okay

feargal czukay (NickB), Monday, 6 July 2015 15:50 (ten years ago)

Did Rob ever return to ILX? I joined ILX in 2006 and it already felt like the UK scene was on its way out - this possibly marks the beginning of the fall

rahrah avis (imago), Monday, 6 July 2015 15:54 (ten years ago)

I don't know whether Rob still posts on ilx (i thought he did) but he is well and quite a few of us are regularly in touch.

Ten years is just a date but weird that somehow a date brings back feelings snuffed inside for years that you thought had numbed away.

Not sure about fall of ilx and not really what I want to think about right now.

^ 諷刺 (ken c), Monday, 6 July 2015 16:48 (ten years ago)

Just happened to walk into the park at the entrance where the memorial is and so went to pay my respects. First two letters of her name were obscured by one of many sunflowers, I think, so it said

(@)Z D4PLYN

Askeladden Sane (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 12 July 2015 13:45 (ten years ago)

Not sure about fall of ilx and not really what I want to think about right now.

Yes who gives a shit about that. Just complete lack of perspective.

xyzzzz__, Sunday, 12 July 2015 13:59 (ten years ago)

Gerberas. I love gerberas :)

Madchen, Sunday, 12 July 2015 14:14 (ten years ago)

:)

Askeladden Sane (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 12 July 2015 14:16 (ten years ago)

Are you in London then?

holger sharkey (Tom D.), Sunday, 12 July 2015 14:19 (ten years ago)

Yup. Is there a FAP on this week? Or maybe we can discuss on designated ILB thread.

Askeladden Sane (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 12 July 2015 15:12 (ten years ago)

If you all do get together, pass on my regards to everyone. Flying into London the day after still remains so vivid and sad.

Ned Raggett, Sunday, 12 July 2015 15:20 (ten years ago)

ILB FAPs are the only FAPs these days, it seems. There's an ILB FAP thread, so best to try to get something organized on that.

holger sharkey (Tom D.), Sunday, 12 July 2015 15:27 (ten years ago)

nine years pass...

Twenty years ago today.

bored by endless ecstasy (anagram), Monday, 7 July 2025 08:59 (three months ago)

this is definitely the most traumatic thread in ILX history. RIP

imago, Monday, 7 July 2025 09:21 (three months ago)

(well, this and the follow-ups I guess)

Can't imagine what it must have been like. I didn't lose anyone I knew at the time in this and was at home the whole way through. Fuck

imago, Monday, 7 July 2025 09:24 (three months ago)

Still so desperately sad. Hope her partner is doing okay these days x

Reggaeton Sax (NickB), Monday, 7 July 2025 09:29 (three months ago)

I wasn't on ILX at the time, but I knew Liz fairly well, originally from Sinister meet-ups and a tape swap thing. Working in Bloomsbury today so going to go across to her bench at lunchtime.

Proust Ian Rush (Camaraderie at Arms Length), Monday, 7 July 2025 09:31 (three months ago)

Still can’t read stories about survivors.

Madchen, Monday, 7 July 2025 11:31 (three months ago)

I put 20 roses and a note on her bench this morning.

einstürzende louboutin (suzy), Monday, 7 July 2025 11:46 (three months ago)

Rest in Peace, Liz.

In 2016 my wife had a brain haemorrhage and ended up in the Neurosurgery hospital in Queen's Sq for months.

I would sit on Liz's bench at lunch breaks to catch my breath, the garden at QS is actually really lovely and pretty peaceful either side of lunchtime.

I got to know it pretty well, I sat on Liz's bench all afternoon and white-knuckled my wife's initial surgery the day after she got admitted.

I didn't know Liz, but I was in central London for 7/7, and wrote on the original thread, so painful.

Maresn3st, Monday, 7 July 2025 12:38 (three months ago)

It was the worst day. And I’ll always remember I was literally flying over hours later for a long planned vacation and meetup with everyone soon after.

Ned Raggett, Monday, 7 July 2025 12:53 (three months ago)

Her partner at the time, Rob, is doing fine. He has a new partner and I met up with him most recently for a beer last summer.

I am avoiding all the media hoo-hah today, but I'm down in London this weekend so will go and have a visit to Liz's bench. I like to have a coffee there every so often when I'm visiting.

ailsa, Monday, 7 July 2025 13:32 (three months ago)

I remember it so well, I never interacted with Liz but the wait for news was terrible and it hung over all of us meeting Ned while still waiting on confirmation. I'm glad Rob is doing fine. I often think about him and Liz.

Toshirō Nofune (The Seventh ILXorai), Monday, 7 July 2025 17:46 (three months ago)

it hung over all of us meeting Ned while still waiting on confirmation

It was the worst best pub hangout. Sounds flippant but it's not meant to be. I'm just glad I was able to swing back through at the tail end of my trip three weeks later, if only because at least we all knew by then.

Ned Raggett, Monday, 7 July 2025 18:20 (three months ago)

I wasn't at the pub with you all, I met you before that and went record shopping with you. The atmosphere in Glasgow was eerie with armed police very visible and all the bins sealed up.

Toshirō Nofune (The Seventh ILXorai), Monday, 7 July 2025 18:47 (three months ago)

Mm, that's right. I was thinking of the London pub meetup the day after I arrived there -- there was a brief get-together on the day, but the big one had already been scheduled for the following day, a Saturday. There was a lot of chat, but a lot of silences as well.

Ned Raggett, Monday, 7 July 2025 19:01 (three months ago)


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