At least 19 people have been killed and more than 50 more injured in what authorities suspect may be a suicide bombing attempt following American pop singer, Ariana Grande’s, tour stop in the English city of Manchester on Monday evening (May 22nd).
With the concert ending, thousands of eager concert-goers were exiting the Manchester Arena toward the taxi area when what many describe as “several” loud explosions were heard. The crowd went into a panic and stampeded out of the arena, filling the parking lot and pouring over into nearby public transit stations.
The Greater Manchester Police department is treating the incident as a terrorist attack and stated that an explosion occurred in the foyer of the arena around 10:30 p.m. local time. Reports of a second blast have not been officially confirmed.
Latest statement on incident at Manchester Arena pic.twitter.com/BEpLOan3dY
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017
While the official cause of the explosion has yet to be confirmed by authorities, both U.S. officials and local police have stated they suspect it is related to terrorism. BBC correspondent on the scene, Tim Ashburn, spoke to paramedics who said they were treating the injured for “shrapnel-like injuries”.
In the wake of the news spreading worldwide, many in the country music industry expressed their heartbreak and condolences while saying prayers for those who were killed in this horrifying incident.
https://twitter.com/thecadillac3/status/866794738162204672
My heart goes out to everyone in #Manchester horrible, horrible news.
— leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) May 22, 2017
Sending our thoughts and prayers out for @ArianaGrande and all of her fans tonight in Manchester U.K.
— Rascal Flatts (@rascalflatts) May 22, 2017
We are thinking of everyone affected by the horrific events in Manchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors in the U.K.
— Big Machine Label Group (@BigMachine) May 22, 2017
Just hearing about the explosions at the Arianna concert.. Praying for everybody!! Sick..
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) May 22, 2017
Terrifying to hear about everything in the U.K. at the Ariana concert… prayers to everyone there…
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) May 22, 2017
Concerts are supposed to be a place where people can go to escape the problems of this fucked up world. Thoughts and prayers. #Manchester
— Dan + Shay (@DanAndShay) May 23, 2017
The BBC reports that there was a secondary ‘suspect device’ found by authorities near where the first explosion occurred. The Greater Manchester Police department released a statement saying they were going to be performing a controlled detonation nearby.
There will be a controlled explosion in Cathedral gardens shortly if you hearing anything don't be concerned.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017
Our hearts are broken over this unspeakable act and we are keeping the people affected in our thoughts and prayers as authorities continue to investigate.
Watch the full report in the video below.