The Problem of Securing London's Tube
Friday's explosion was not fatal, but it shows how transit networks are especially vulnerable to terrorism.
Updated on September 15 at 4:06 p.m. ET
At least 19 people were hospitalized Friday after an explosion went off on one of London’s underground rail lines, in an incident claimed by the Islamic State shortly afterward. The explosion took place at approximately 8:20 a.m. local time on the District line near London’s Southwest Parsons Green station—a rush hour period during which, as one observer noted, the trains are often filled with commuters going to work and children going to school.
Mark Rowley, the head of London’s counter-terrorism unit, said the of the alleged device, which have been circulated through social media but not yet formally authenticated by authorities, show a white container with wires sticking out inside a shopping bag.
