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VIDEO: Boston Marathon headquarters locked down after explosion, two reported dead – Metro US

VIDEO: Boston Marathon headquarters locked down after explosion, two reported dead

Boston Police have confirmed that two people are dead and at least 22 are injured following two explosions in Copley Square Monday afternoon around 2:45 p.m. at the Boston Marathon finish line on Boylston Street and the area has been locked down. Fans and runners have left the area. [embedgallery id=134983]

Investigators have confirmed to NBC news the explosions were caused by two home made bombs.

Investigators also told NBC that there were multiple explosive devices discovered.

At least one additional device was detonated by a bomb squad in a controlled explosion.

A Metro photographer on the scene said that he saw several injured individuals who had lost limbs.

Huge puffs of smoke were seen in and around the finish line.

The hotel that serves as the headquarters for the Boston Marathon was locked down as well.

Erin Amar of Jamaica Plain said she was at an event at the Mandarin Hotel.

“We were standing watching the runners come in,” she said. “There was a loud noise. I didn’t know what it was. Then, almost immediately, a second loud noise shook the window and then everyone started running out. Nobody knew what was going on. We just got out of the building.”

The Boston Athletic Association issued the following statement on its Facebook page.

“There were two bombs that exploded near the finish line in today’s Boston Marathon. We are working with law enforcement to understand what exactly has happened.”

Many of the runners Metro spoke with were too shaken to speak. One man who asked not to be identified asked what happened, and upon learning the news said that his girlfriend was in the stands, and he couldn’t get a hold of her.

“This is a horrific day in Boston,” Gov. Deval Patrick said in a statement. “My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured. I have been in touch with the President, Mayor Menino and our public safety leaders. Our focus is on making sure that the area around Copley Square is safe and secured. I am asking everyone to stay away from Copley Square and let the first responders do their jobs.”

A Boston Marathon spokesman told reporters that no one would be allowed in or out of the building.

Green line service has been suspended between Kenmore and Park Street.

“We were trying to get onto the Green Line and they told us there was an explosion,” saidAlexandra Cavallo. “We thought they were just trying to keep the crowds at bay.”

The Mass. Ave. bridge has also been closed and the entire area remains extremely active with emergency personnel.

Reuturs contributed to this report

Credit: Dan Lampariello Credit: Dan Lampariello