LONDON, 8 July 2005 — More than 60 years ago, the bombers roared overhead dropping payloads of death and destruction on this city that has long been the bastion of freedom and the rights of man. On this day, the bombers are gutter rats lurking in shadows fighting for no nation and killing innocent commuters on their way to work.
The explosions that shook London yesterday were atrocities against humanity. People were caught unaware both on buses and tube stations. The hustle and bustle of London died with the explosions. Streets were almost deserted, and the ominous sound of sirens resounded throughout the day as emergency services mobilized to rescue trapped people and ambulances raced to transport the injured to hospitals — just as they had done more than 60 years ago.
Mobile phones ceased to operate. There was speculation that the cellular network operation was halted by the authorities for fear of them being used by the terrorists to direct or trigger more attacks. However, the theory that was most plausible was that the sudden communications overload crashed the network.
The tourist buses, usually a common sight on London streets, were missing yesterday. All along the Park Mall heading toward Trafalgar Square, people walked — some aimlessly. Near Buckingham Palace — usually the haunt of thousands of tourists — the streets were empty. A trip from Great George Street to the InterContinental Hotel in Park Lane — a journey that usually takes around 15 minutes during rush hour — took only five minutes yesterday. The lobby at the InterContinental was deserted as the American tourists who were there the other night apparently decided to stay in their rooms.
Midday rain added to the gloom, which made walking difficult for the hundreds of thousands of Londoners wandering the streets. However, by three in the afternoon the clouds had cleared, and a welcoming sun brought some relief to pedestrians.
Most mainline stations reopened by 4.30. However, King’s Cross Station, the scene of the deadliest blast with 21 confirmed killed, remained closed.
I saw people fainting, but I was impressed by the calm that pervaded the scene. People helped each other, and those with whom I spoke commended the incredibly efficient and professional manner in which the emergency services sprang into action and handled the crisis.
The vicious attack completely negated the celebratory atmosphere of the city, which earlier learned it had been chosen to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
I was saddened and horrified at the turn of events because I am a Londoner at heart. A place I always refer to as the last civilized city in the world — the city of Lords, Wimbledon and afternoon tea.
At a time when the whole world is trying to save lives, these enemies of humanity are determined to kill innocent people. The enemies of humanity have targeted this city before, and London remains, though little remains of the empires or ideas that justified such savagery. London will remain and stand defiant in the face of aggression — just as it has done before.
