East County runners were participating in event

By Miriam Raftery and Nadin Abbott

April 15, 2013 (Boston) – Two bomb blasts ripped through the finish line area at the Boston Marathon today, turning the athletic event into a scene reminiscent of a war zone.  Over 100 people have been treated at Boston-area hospitals, some with serious injuries including amputations of limbs.  Two people are reported dead, including a child, CNN reports.

Approximately 191 people from San Diego County were running in the event, according to the Boston Marathon website.  That includes from San Diego as well as several from East County and inland areas:  Five from La Mesa, Four from El Cajon, four from Poway, and one each from Lakeside and Ramona. A hotline has been setup for families seeking information at  617-635-4500.

Today was a holiday, Patriot’s Day, in Massachusetts. The occasion honors the battles of Lexington and Concord during the Revolutionary War and celebrating America’s spirit of independence.