Sydney, Apr 16: The Australian government has offered its sympathies to the US after authorities in Boston say bombs that exploded near the finish line of the city's Marathon have killed at least three people and injured more than 130.
Eight hospitals in the Boston area report that they are treating at least 124 people, of which at least 15 are in a critical condition.
"All our sympathies are with the people of the United States, with their government, as they respond to what could well be a terrorist strike. Certainly the fact that these explosions have been associated with the marathon would suggest it has been an attack by terrorists, although we await confirmation of that," Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr told reporters in Sydney.
A White House official speaking on condition of anonymity because the investigation was still unfolding said the attack was being treated as an act of "terrorism".
Carr said concerns that the incident was a terrorist strike are "legitimate."
"We know that home-grown terrorists have been a feature of life in Europe, the United States and here. It is legitimate to be concerned about the prospect that this does represent a domestic terrorist strike," Carr said on Tuesday.
He said the government is hoping that no Australians have been affected by the explosions.
"Our people are in contact with hospitals, with local government and with the organisers of the marathon. At this moment we're anxious but we hope for news that no Australians have been affected," Carr added.
The injuries sustained by those near the blasts ranged from cuts and bruises to lost limbs.
Many victims suffered lower leg injuries and shrapnel wounds, some suffered ruptured eardrums.
A senior US intelligence official said two other bombs were found near the end of the 26.2-mile (42-kilometre) course.
At the White House, President Barack Obama vowed that those responsible will "feel the full weight of justice."
There was no word on the motive or who may have carried out the attack, and police said they had no suspects in custody.
Authorities in Washington said there was no immediate claim of responsibility.
