Posted on 02/09/2003 4:51:17 AM PST by JohnHuang2
A powerful bomb exploded at an exclusive club in Bogota Friday night, killing more than 30 people, injuring more than 150 and setting the 10-story building on fire, according to an Associated Press report.
The U.S. ambassador’s residence is behind the building, and the club is frequented by politicians and business executives.
The blast showered bricks and mortar onto a busy boulevard, caving in the roofs of passing cars. A fire caused by the explosion burned for about two hours before it was brought under control.
The bomb, packed with 330 pounds of explosives, was placed in a car in the third floor garage, Bogota Mayor Antanas Mockus said. The blast was heard for miles in Bogota, a city of 7 million. Nearby buildings also were damaged in the explosion, authorities said.
''It was a huge explosion. I thought an airplane had crashed outside'' said Luis Moreno, who lives across the street from the club on Seventh Avenue and whose apartment building's windows were shattered.
''We were having dinner when the bomb went off,'' said a man, his face blackened from smoke, as his wife was carried away on a stretcher by paramedics. Scores of people stumbled from the wrecked building, many with their faces streaked with blood.
Jorge Velandia, who works at the club's miniature golf course, said the blast opened up a hole in one of the floors and people tumbled through.
Searchers picked through the wreckage today, looking for victims. Rescuers pulled a 12-year-old girl out of the rubble. Several other children are among the injured. Witnesses had said children were to put on a ballet show at the club.
No one claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, had said several months ago it intended to attack Colombia's elite.
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Moreover, as the Gipper was wont to say, we've ain't seen nothing yet.
I absolutely agree- we are just beginning the ride!
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