Police1 Critical Alert
A bag containing an improvised explosive device exploded on the steps of a New York City subway station Monday night, injuring a transit police officer and causing hundreds of other officers to storm the area, disrupting subway service.
The off-duty officer saw the bag on fire on a mezzanine staircase at 43rd Street and Eighth Avenue. He quickly pushed two bystanders to safety, and was going to call for backup when it exploded.
Scores of heavily armed police officers trained in anti-terrorism tactics and hundreds of other officers sealed off parts of the surrounding streets.
Several subway lines were forced to bypass the Times Square station, a major hub and the city’s busiest station. The station is in one of the city’s most crowded areas, usually teeming with commuters and tourists, even late at night. Nearby are several multiplex movie theaters, the Madame Tussaud’s wax museum and B.B. King’s blues club.
The injured officer suffered minor burns to his legs. He was rushed to Bellevue Hospital where he was listed in stable condition.
No other devices were found. Investigators say the device contained gunpowder and b-b’s.
Police do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism but the United States Secret Service and the Joint Terrorism Task Force are both investigating the incident. No arrests had been made.
Source:
ABC News; Associated Press