Case Studies with Questions and Answers
Chapter 26: Handling a Terrorist Attack
On March 11, 2004 during the peak of Madrid rush hour, ten explosions occurred abroad four commuter trains. All the affected trains were traveling on the same line and in the same direction. It was later reported that thirteen improvised explosive devices (IEDs) had been placed on the train. Three of which were later identified by the bombs disposal team.
From 7:37 to 7:39 a.m. 10 bombs had detonated on four different trains. By 8:00a.m. emergency relief workers had responded, reporting 50 wounded and several dead. By 8:30a.m. the emergency ambulance service had set up a field hospital. At 8:43a.m. fire fighters reported 15 dead, at 9:00a.m. police had confirmed 30 dead. After everything had settled there were a 191 victims of the attack, 142 dead.