8 St. Charles Residents Signed Up for Marathon

Two explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon had people carrying bloody spectators into the medical tent set up for runners, according to an Associated Press report on the Pocono Record website.

"There are a lot of people down," the AP quoted one man saying. The explosions happened about three hours after the winners crossed the finish line. 

Reuters is reporting there are no indication how may people are injured, according to a story on the Chicago Tribune website, which also said the explosions happened as people were cheering on those still completing the race.

Patch is following this breaking story.

The Boston Marathon Race Day website lists the following St. Charles entrants (those with an asterisk have a recorded finish time):

• Chris W. Adesso
• Phillip S. Anderson*
• Gina Bartindale*
• Heather Corcoran*
• Tammy L. Hartje
• Hernando Morales*
• Jim Stone*
• Brooke Williams*

NBC News reported fire engines, police and emergency medical personnel were headed to the scene. An affiliate reporter told NBC News she heard two loud explosions, and that "everybody kind of ducked and hit the ground," and Jackie Bruno, reporter for New England Cable News said she saw people with significant injuries, including one person with a leg blown off.

"Runners were coming in and saw unspeakable horror," Bruno said.  

At about 4:40 p.m., Boston Gov. Deval Patrick issued the following statement: 

“This is a horrific day in Boston. 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.”

Are you in contact with any of the St. Charles runners? Help us find out if they are safe. Let us know in the comments, or email the editor.