Boston bombs like 9/11, says local man who ran race

A LOCAL man who was taking part in the Boston Marathon yesterday compared the devastating impact of bomb blasts at the finish line to that of 9/11.

Pat Pannett, pictured, who lives in Washington, was running in his first marathon. He said he was fortunate because he decided to return to his hotel early as his legs were sore after the race.

Two explosions went off at the finish line just over four hours after the start. At least three people have been killed and more than 100 injured.

A third explosion was reported at the JFK Library, although it is not clear whether this was related to or as a result of the previous two.

Mr Pannett was staying with his family in a hotel at the airport about 10 minutes away from downtown Boston. It was not until he walked back into his hotel that his phone began ringing and he became aware of what happened.