Manchester concert explosion: What we know so far
This incident is still unfolding. We will continue to update this post as we get more information.
At 10:30pm local time, a “huge bang” was heard outside a concert hall in Manchester, England, where pop star Ariana Grande was performing. Police have confirmed a number of fatalities and injuries, but the total number is still unknown.
Police are currently treating the incident as a possible terror attack until they know otherwise. This does not necessarily mean that it was, in fact, a terror attack — merely that the police are treating it that way until they can determine what happened. No one has claimed responsibility for any attack.
Here's a running tally of what we do and don't know about the attack. We will continue to update this post as we learn more information.
What we know about the attack
- Greater Manchester Police confirm 19 people dead and around 50 injured from the explosion. Concert goers reported hearing a loud bang, which sparked chaos inside the Manchester Arena concert hall.
- Joseph Carozza, a representative from Ariana Grande's US record label, said the singer is okay and they are investigating what happened, according to NBC News.
- The North West Counter Terrorism Unit is treating it as a possible terrorist incident, reports the BBC.
- British Prime Minister said her thoughts are with the victims for "what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack,” reports the Telegraph.
- The Wall Street Journal notes that the explosion occurred “within the foyer area” of the Manchester Arena, one of the largest indoor stadiums in Europe.
- The BBC says a controlled explosion near the Manchester Arena of a suspicious item ended up being abandoned clothing.
- The BBC reports that the concert-goers were most young people, which makes sense since the performer at Manchester Arena was Ariana Grande.
- Facebook has activated its safety check for people who are at or near the arena to let family and friends know they are safe.
- Emergency services are on the scene and have asked people to avoid the area.
BREAKING |
— Vocal Europe (@thevocaleurope) May 22, 2017
Line of ambulances heading to #manchester arena where a major #explosion has happenedpic.twitter.com/AGfAw6H7Wo
What we don’t know about the attack
- If this is, in fact, a terrorist attack
- The final number of fatalities and injuries