NZers describe scene of confusion and anger

New Zealanders in London have described being caught up in the series of bomb explosions which killed at least 37 people. 

Readers on the nzherald.co.nz messageboard (link at the bottom of this page) spoke of lucky escapes, getting to work just before the bombs went off in the city's morning rush hour.

They said there was a strangely silent mood as people remained glued to TV screens to get the latest news following the initial confusion.

Others said there was a mixture of anger and resolve as commuters walked many kilometres home.

Ralph Coulter said: "Just as I passed Euston station I heard an almighty bang, which stopped everyone in their tracks. Many were clearly upset by the explosion but I merely passed it off as a controlled detonation by the bomb disposal experts.

"Making my way back to the Kings Cross, I found even more people on the street - all heading towards me - away from Euston/Kings Cross.

"Returning to work, outrage, grief and confusion were the flavour of the day."

Susan Percy said: "I got to work about 8.45am - six minutes before the first bomb went off at a station just outside the building I work in. I didn't hear or feel the explosion but some of my colleagues heard a bang and felt a tremor in the building.

"I didn't know anything was wrong until a colleague called and said she had to get off the tube because there had been a power cut affecting the whole network.

"A few people were working, but for the most part, no-one was interested in working and all the computer monitors showed Sky News or BBC.

"The scene at the office was very calm. Everyone sat by their computer screens, making a few quiet calls or speaking in low voices in small groups. Occasionally someone would call out any news that they had heard.

"Just before 4pm I started walking home with another colleague. Many streets were cordoned off as I live near the Royal London Hospital. Many people were leaving the city on foot and it was quite surreal, walking calmly home in the sunshine with many fellow Londoners walking quietly alongside us."

Angela Kastermans was stuck underground after the attacks.

She said: "I was trapped underground on the Metropolitan Line just before Farringdon Station for almost an hour. There was mass confusion by all once we were evacuated.

"People were fighting to get in the back doors of buses as overloaded drivers were refusing to open the front doors. As I made my way further down the road, snippets of news echoed from the news bulletins screening in the pubs.

"The magnitude of what was happening sunk in when I received a frantic call not to get on the bus as there were reports of explosions on buses as well.

"There were mad dashes for black cabs, who refused to stop, and a surge of disorientated people purchasing A-Z maps, myself included. Others just checked into the nearest hotel.

"I had no choice but to make the six-hour journey home by foot."

Michael Charlton-Jones said he went to work early yesterday so arrived before the bombs.

He said there was a feeling of community spirit as people tried to make their way home.

"The British people are wonderful, strong and resilient," he said. "There were many of us making a long walk home and no one complained or grumbled, even when it was raining.

"People were helping the more vulnerable by giving them their jackets, paying for taxis etc."

There was confusion among commuters, Caroline Carson said. "At first I didn't think this a was a huge thing as I had heard two carriages had crashed into each other. Then the stories seemed to get worse and with the mobiles network crashing it was very concerning.

"I was very worried as my British boyfriend works in the building next door to Liverpool Street station. He is fine. Thank goodness."