In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, the sheer volume of injured runners and spectators is overwhelming. More than 130 were injured by the twin blasts that set the finish line ablaze on Monday, at least eight were children, of which one has been pronounced dead, according to CNN.com.
As the Boston public school system was closed on Monday in observance of Patriots’ Day, a Massachusetts state holiday honoring the first battles of the American Revolution, there were a large number of children on the sidelines and at the finish line of the race.
Martin Richard, the sole fatality among the children as of yet, was 8-years old at the time of his death. Following the initial blast, emergency first responders moved him quickly away from the scene to receive immediate medical attention.
The injuries Richard sustained were critical and life-threatening, and he was ultimately pronounced dead on Monday. Bill Richard, Martin’s father released the following statement on Tuesday through the city of Boston’s website:
“My dear son Martin has died from injuries sustained in the attack on Boston. My wife and daughter are both recovering from serious injuries. We thank our family and friends, those we know and those we have never met, for their thoughts and prayers. I ask that you continue to pray for my family as we remember Martin.”
A number of other children were rushed away from the scene of the bombings to receive prompt medical care. A 2-year old boy was taken to Boston Children’s Hospital with a reported head injury. Additionally, three children were admitted for injuries sustained to their legs, a 9-year old for leg trauma, a 7-year old for a minor injury on his leg, and a 12-year old with a fractured femur, according to ABCNews.com.
A Reuters reporter also announced that a 14-year old had sustained a head injury and was taken to Boston Children’s Hospital, as well as a 10-year old with leg trauma.
“Today is a sad day for the City of Boston, for the running community, and for all those who were here to enjoy the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. What was intended to be a day of joy and celebration quickly became a day in which running a marathon was of little importance,” said a race official in a statement released Monday evening.
President Barack Obama also addressed the bombings on Monday night, stating that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions, and “will feel the full weight of justice.”
This traumatic event was additionally saddening as the final mile of the race was dedicated to the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting last December. The school sent several runners, and the race organized a 26-second period of silence prior to the start of the race to honor those that had passed.
Our Deepest Sympathy
All of us at the Killino Firm would like to offer our deepest sympathies and condolences for those lost, injured, and devastated by the Boston bombings. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
