Boston Marathon Bombing Victims Suffer Shrapnel Injuries

The horrifying twin bombing attack that occurred at the finish line of the Boston Marathon April 15 tragically killed three and injured more than 100 people. The severely injured victims were rushed to two Massachusetts hospitals.

The two Boston doctors Dr. Peter Fagenholz of Massachusetts General Hospital and Dr. Ron Walls, chief of emergency medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, have stated that most of the injuries sustained by the victims are caused by 'small metal debris.'

According to Dr. Fagenholz, the first victims to arrive at the Massachusetts General Hospital were the ones who were severely injured and have severe damage on their legs, which might require amputation. Out of 29 people, eight were in critical condition. This is the first time he has witnessed people in such big numbers being rushed in quickly to the hospital, reports Boston.com.

Many children were affected in the bomb blast. Nearly 10 victims were treated at the Boston Children's Hospital, including a 9-year-old girl and 2-year-old boy with severe head injuries, reports The Huffington Post.

Dr. Fagenholz stated that many of the injuries were caused by shrapnel-like objects and most of the injuries were to the lower limbs. But the doctors couldn't confirm if they were caused by ball bearings or any other material that would help to identify the nature of the bomb, reports The Telegraph.

"Some will have repeat operations tomorrow. Those who have bone, tissue, and vascular damage may require repairs done in a "step-wise fashion,"" Dr. Fagenholz was quoted as saying in Boston.com.

Dr. Walls stated that most of the shrapnel was ordinary street stuff such as metal bits, soda cans, etc. Nearly 31 patients were being treated at the Brigham, out of which two were critical and nine have been operated upon.

The injuries ranged from ruptured eardrums to several amputations.