Police said on Monday that a third explosion hit the Boston JFK Library, but it remains unclear whether it was related to the previous two blasts near the finish line of the Boston marathon.

The blasts killed three and injured 180. One of the dead was an 8-year-old boy, according to a state law enforcement source.

 

At least three were dead, 180 injured in two explosions taking place near the Boston Marathon finish line on Monday afternoon. [sohu.com]

 

Hospitals reported that among the 180 people treated, at least eight of the patients are children.

At least 10 people injured had limbs amputated, according to a terrorism expert briefed on the investigation.

"There was a third explosion at the JFK library," Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said at a press conference, adding that he was not yet aware of any injury in the third explosion.

Davis announced a police tipline for information that could lead to the arrest of those who were responsible for the attacks. He also advised people to stay at home or in the hotel.

Meanwhile, US media reports said that the number of those injured in the explosions has soared to over 100.

President Barack Obama has been notified of the incident in Boston, a White House official told White House pool media.

Obama directed his administration to provide whatever assistance necessary in the investigation and response, said the official.

Intelligence officials said two more explosive devices have been found at Boston Marathon before being dismantled, media here reported.

The organizers of the Boston Marathon said on Facebook page that bombs caused the two explosions.

The Boston police bomb squad were sweeping the area for suspicious packages, ABC reported. Law enforcement authorities also told ABC they were testing smoke and materials at the scene for chemical substances.

The two explosions happened at around 3 pm and went off within seconds of each other. The first runners in the marathon crossed the finish line around noon.

The Boston Police Department said two explosions happened on the Boyleston street near the finish line. Local police, fire and bomb squad have arrived at the scene responding to the incident.