London tube blast

Police say London tube blast a ‘terrorist incident’

Officials say 18 people injured, none thought to be in life-threatening condition.

By SAIM SAEED AND EMMA ANDERSON

An explosion in an underground train carriage at Parsons Green station in southwest London is being treated as a “terrorist incident” by police.

Eighteen people were taken to hospitals, but none are thought to be in a serious or life-threatening condition, according to the London Ambulance Service. Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley told reporters that most of the injuries appear to be flash burns.

Rowley explained that police believe the explosion at about 8:20 a.m. local time on a train at Parsons Green station was caused by an improvised explosive device.

Pictures of the alleged explosive device — a white bucket inside a plastic bag in an underground train carriage — circulated on social media but the blast did not seem to have caused major damage, according to the BBC.

Police and other emergency services evacuated and cordoned off the station.

“Londoners particularly can expect to see an enhanced police presence, particularly across the transport system across the day,” Rowley said.

The underground train line between Wimbledon and Earl’s Court was shut down and police advised the public to avoid the area.

When asked if there was anyone in custody or if police knew whether the person who set off the device was on the train at the time, Rowley responded: “It’s very much a live investigation and we’re following down the lines of inquiry.

“I’d ask the public to remain vigilant across London, and to be alert in assisting us but not to be alarmed.”

In a statement, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “My thoughts are with those injured at Parsons Green and emergency services who are responding bravely to this terrorist incident.”

The London Ambulance Service said in a statement: “Our initial priority is to assess the level and nature of injuries.”