London Tube Bomb: Terrorism Declared After Homemade Device Explodes at Parsons Green
Police have confirmed a homemade bomb exploded on a packed London Underground train this morning, declaring the incident a terrorist attack. The blast occurred at rush hour on the District Line at Parsons Green station in South West London.
Rush Hour Terror: Fireball Rips Through Packed Train
The improvised explosive device detonated as the train pulled into Parsons Green station. Commuters – including dozens of school children – were onboard when a fireball erupted from a white bucket placed inside a Lidl bag near the rear carriage.
Images from the scene showed exposed wires and flames bursting from the bucket. Passengers fled in panic as the doors opened, some suffering serious burns. One witness described seeing people “really, really badly burned” with their hair literally coming off.
Stampede Causes Injuries Amid Chaos
A chaos-fuelled stampede broke out on the station’s stairwell, resulting in additional injuries. BBC presenter Sophie Raworth, at the scene, reported seeing women with burns on their faces and legs, some needing oxygen and pain relief.
“I spoke to a woman who heard a bang, saw a wall of flames, and saw others with burns on their heads and hair,” Raworth said. “The doors opened immediately and people rushed out.”
Emergency Services Race to Scene
London Ambulance Service confirmed 18 patients were taken to hospital, with the first medics arriving less than five minutes after the call at 8:20am. Six fire engines and around 50 firefighters tackled the blaze and helped evacuate hundreds of passengers.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu of the Counter Terrorism Command labelled the situation a terrorist incident. The Met Police and British Transport Police are leading a manhunt for the suspect who planted the bomb.
Police Urge Calm, Ask For Information
Metropolitan Police appealed for anyone with information or images from the scene to come forward. The station remains cordoned off while the investigation continues.
“We urge the public to remain calm but alert,” a spokesperson said. “If you see or hear anything suspicious, contact the police immediately.”
Anyone with information is urged to call the hotline on 0800 789 321 or report emergencies to 999.
