Aftermath of 7/7 - London Under Attack
Posted at July 10, 2005 19:46 (UTC) from London, UK
7/7 - London is under attack. Everybody knew it will happen, but nobody expected it right now. After 9/11, we have another day to remember and to write in our almanacs. Sad but true.
Many of my friends immediately tried to call me after the news reached them. However, the mobile phone networks were overloaded with calls and text messages from people to find out about their friends and relatives. However, finally a few text messages came through. Thanks to all of you, how were worried about me.
On Thursday morning, I left London Liverpool Street Station just 20 minutes before the first bomb exploded. Everything seemed to be normal. The daily usual rush hour was going to reach its peak. Thousands of commuters coming in from North East London and Essex making their way to the Tube lines or buses or just walk for to their offices. So did I. Nobody, absolutely nobody at this point of time had the vaguest notion of what will happen across London this morning just a few minutes later. However, at about 8.50 a.m. BST three bombs exploded on three different Tube trains, killing many innocent people and injuring hundreds others. It couldn't come worse people may have thought but it did. About an hour later, a number 30 bus from Hackney Wick to Marble Arch was ripped like a can of sardines.
Every morning on my way to work, I see the number 30 bus because it stops at the same bus stop where I have to get off the number 56 bus to change for the train down to Liverpool Street Station. Also when I saw a number 30 today, it was a very odd feeling. On the one hand, all is like happening only in TV and far away. However, then you realize it is in London and you are in London and directly in the middle of all.
The news about what is going on emerged only barely. My colleague called me he had to leave the Central Line but he wasn't told what's going on. All he found out was that they are going to shut down all Tube stations. That was short after 9 a.m. Then he got onto three buses to get to the office in the City. When he finally arrived, news were already a bit more clear about what is happening. From then on, we all were only worried about what is coming next.
I think the biggest worry of all was that it may expose that the bus bomb was actually a suicide bomber. Why? If that would have been true, that would have meant a new level of threat. A threat you cannot really prevent. However, so far the police says there is no evidence for that and for the Tube train bombs it is very likely that they were started by timers.
In early Thursday afternoon, the police started to evacuate offices in the City. It was the time, when my colleagues and I decided to make our way home - walking, because no buses or any other public transport was operating and taxis were all overbooked. So I started my way home. My biggest concern was how to get through the Liverpool Street area because we were told that the whole financial district was sealed off by the police. However, by coming closer to it I saw that Bishopsgate was open for pedestrians that means I could make my walk through there. The mood was very strange. I have never ever seen Bishopsgate so quiet before, no busses, no motorbikes, no cars - just walking people. Many walking people but all you could hear was the rain and the footsteps of the people. No talking or something else.
After I left the Central London area I saw that buses started their service again. Slowly but at least a few routes were operating again. I was lucky and could get a 48 to home. On the way, the Metropolitan Police also checked the bus for suspicious bags.
Now it is day 3 after 7/7, Britain commemorate the victory over Germany 60 years ago. It is V-day in Britain. All the famous people including Her Majesty the Queen and also the Prime Minister assembled in Horse Guard Parade to attend the celebrations. I think there couldn't be a bigger statement to the terrorists than this. Carry on regardless. Thousands of people crowded to celebrate and commemorate as well.
For those of you who like to see pictures of these days here in London should have a look at the 7/7 Community on flickr.
And for the German speaking amongst you, have also a look on Konstantin's blog "London Leben".
