Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Terrorist attack in India’s financial capital

(Source Article: Mumbai train blasts - CNN.com)

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, the population and financial capital of the world’s second most populated country experienced seven continuous attacks on its rail network today. The attacks took place between 6:20 and 7:00 p.m., during rush-hour traffic as Indian workers returned home. Indian authorities had some information in advance about a possible attack, but did not know when or where it would happen.

137 people were killed in the blasts, and some 450 are reported injured thus far. Authorities are citing this as the worst such attack in the country in over a decade. The blasts were powerful enough to destroy the rail network in some parts, putting it out of operation for some time. This attack comes after an attack on the India capital of New Delhi last October. (see Mumbai blasts kill at least 137 - Bloomberg.com)

Mumbai is home to the Mumbai Stock Exchange, as well as India’s equity and cash markets. The railway system that was attacked is used by approximately 4.5 million people each day, making it an integral part of the city’s economy. Additionally, a grenade attack in India’s Kashmir region killed four people earlier today. India's Airports and other transportation hubs are on high alert for further terrorist activity.

No comments: