07 July 2005, 20:19 Society

Terrorist attack in English

Natalia Mikhailova (London) Gazeta.Ru correspondent witnessed what was happening in London. This is his report from the British capital.

For many, the morning of the working day in London began as usual: with a trip to work on the subway. However, by 9.00 am all subway stations were closed. It was now possible to get to the city center only by ground transport - red double-decker buses. At 9.20 am I myself found myself in one of them, trying to get from the City area to Oxford Street.

The driver, with characteristic English politeness, explained to passengers that the bus could not travel along its previous route, in the direction of Liverpool Street station, since this area was blocked “due to problems in the metro.” One of the passengers said that there was an explosion on Liverpool Street due to power outages. And immediately discussions began about a possible terrorist attack on the capital. It is usually unusual for residents of the British capital to talk to strangers on public transport, much less discuss anything with the whole bus. There was real unity there. Moreover, many recalled the celebrations that took place the day before in central London dedicated to the upcoming Olympic Games.

There was no longer any doubt in everyone's mind that a terrorist attack had occurred in the capital, although the media were still reporting about power outages in the metro, which allegedly caused the explosion.

But none of the passengers panicked, everyone tried to call their relatives to find out what had happened, and to report to work that they would most likely be a little late. But when the bus driver announced over the loudspeaker that there had already been several explosions in the metro, police patrols had blocked the roads and the bus could not move further, the atmosphere among passengers became more tense. We had to get off the bus at Aldgate station. By this point, the intersection near the metro was blocked by police, who every minute had to answer the same questions: how to get to the city center and what actually happened. Passers-by talked about the explosion and the victims, the police officers were laconic and did not give any comments. The only thing we managed to find out is that bus traffic in the central part of the city is completely blocked. So we walked towards the center.

On the roads in the City, cars and buses stood motionless in long traffic jams. The noise outside was unbearable from police sirens, ambulances and the drone of patrol helicopters. Friends called me, trying to make sure I was okay. If one of them was in the City area, the sounds of helicopters could be heard from the tube.

It was already ten in the morning, but the city looked much the same as usual: the streets were full of people trying to get to work, and the roads were empty. There were interruptions in mobile communications; passersby asked each other if their mobile phones were working. Everyone tried to call their relatives and friends to find out if everything was okay. The usually reserved Englishmen were willing to share the latest news with each other.

Around 11 a.m., the police department issued an advisory that it was not safe to be in the city center or use public transportation, so everyone was urged to return home and avoid any travel.

By this time, it had already become known that the buses had exploded and the people on them had died. After twelve, crowded places began to close: large stores and sports centers. By one o'clock in the afternoon the usually busy streets of London were completely deserted. Those who had never been able to get to work or get home were now sitting in small pubs, glued to television screens. All channels broadcast the latest news about the victims of the explosions and comments from famous politicians.

It's drizzling in London right now. Everything has come to a standstill: public transport is not working, there are serious interruptions in mobile communications, many offices in the City and central London have had to suspend their work because staff are unable to get to work. Londoners themselves have already calmed down relatively and are now watching TV and discussing what will happen tomorrow.