London Blasts Sharpen Concerns Over Olympic Security
London's mood went from elation to gloom as yesterday's news of the city's selection as Olympic host for the 2012 Games was swept aside by today's rush-hour attack on the capital's transportation system. With security already a major issue for the Olympic planners, the terrorist incidents will sharpen concerns, particularly over safeguarding the city's vast subway system, which must be expanded ahead 2012.
Explosions at three London Underground metro sites and on one city bus caused at least 33 deaths, 45 serious injuries and 300 other casualties according to initial official estimates. Two explosions hit trains between stations, one near the surface and one in a deep tunnel. The third bomb was at a surface station outside the centre. The bombs led to the city's entire underground and surface transportation systems being shut as precaution.