Yesterday, tragedy struck Manchester, U.K. when a bomb went off at the end of a major concert just as people were leaving the arena.
The death toll from the blast has now gone up to 22, including children while 60 other people were injured, CNN reported.
Authorities believe that the bomb was detonated by a suicide bomber. Therefore, the incident is currently being investigated as an act of terrorism.
According to the New Straits Times, a Malaysian named Mimi who was on holiday in the UK was one of the concert-goers. Thankfully, she was unharmed by the incident.
Mimi recounted her terrifying experience, saying that the concert was drawing to an end when the blast happened.
“It was already the last song. People had already started leaving. Then the explosion took place.
“Everyone just panicked and started running. It was so chaotic. People were running and ramming into each other. Children were crying.”
Source: New Straits Times
She also described what it was like outside the venue, with helicopters and ambulances surrounding the concert venue. Train stations were also shut down for a while.
“I am so thankful that I (decided to go) out slightly later. If I had come out earlier, I would have surely been affected.”
According to The Star, three Malaysians studying in Manchester who also attended the concert are all safe.
News about the explosion was all over social media as netizens shared their disbelief.
The atmosphere in the arena was that of panic as soon as the explosion went off. Police and ambulances soon arrived at the scene to help the injured.
An eyewitness who survived the horrifying incident recalled feeling the whole building shaking and was thrown 30 feet from the strong force of the blast.
Earlier today, Ariana Grande, who was having her concert at the arena where the blast happened, tweeted that she was “broken” by the senseless act of violence and was at a loss for words.
Source: Twitter
Leaders from all over the world, including our own Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, showed their solidarity with the UK by condemning the attack.
Source: Twitter
Our condolences go out to the families and friends of those who perished in this horrifying incident.
Also read: Two Bombs Explode at Thailand’s Big C Supermarket, At Least 58 People Injured
