Boston University Student Reacts to Deadly Marathon Explosion

Boston University student David Danesh describes the panic after the explosions at the Boston Marathon derailed the festivities of the annual Patriots' Day.

The two explosions occured just before 3 P.M. at the finish line of the Boston Marathon in Copley Square, killing two and leaving over 100 injured. 

Danesh says he learned of the explosions after recieving a text from the Boston University Police Department relaying reports of the explosions and warning students to "remain indoors" and return to their housing as soon as possible. The text also warned students to stay away from the area of the marathon route and requested that students report any suspicious objects or activities.

"I think people are calm now, but before it was really scary," says Danesh. He also reports an influx of texts from friends around the country wanting to check up on him.

The day of the marathon is a city-wide holiday known as Patriots' Day in honor of the Battles of Lexington and Concord during the Revolutionary War. Students at BU get the day off for Patriots' day, also known as Marathon Monday.

The marathon is a big event particularly for students at BU since the final few miles run next to and through the campus. Danesh describes the day as BU's equivilent of a game day at big football schools in terms of excitement and party atmosphere.