Tears and Prayers: North Andover Reacts to Marathon Tragedy

"We were close to the finish and heard the explosions and saw the smoke," Sharon Randall of North Andover said. "My son is a patient partner with Children's Hospital and his runner had just turned onto Boylston 15 minutes earlier. Tough day."

Just before 3 p.m. Monday, two explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon killed at least three people and injured more than 100. First responders rushed to the scene and cleared the area.

"I was less than a half mile from the finish," runner Christina Minicucci of North Andover said. "It's absolutely awful. I hope that all other North Andover runners are ok."

Runner Anne Lynch, who was running for the Gary Letourneau Jr. Hope and Courage Fund in memory of a local man who had died of cancer, said she was just past mile 25 when the bombs exploded. Fortunately, her family and Gary Letourneau's mother were back at mile 20 and were safe.

Regional SWAT teams were sent in to Boston to help, including members of the North Andover Police Department. Officer William Brush was called in with the K-9 unit.

North Andover immediately raised its voice in support and well wishes.

• On their Facebook page, the North Andover School of Dance wrote: "Thankful that Laura McLaughlin, alumni David Michaud, Mom/dancer Donna Phaneuf, dad - Matt Rivet, and Leo's lovely girlfriend Meghan O'Donnell are safe! - running the Boston marathon."

• On the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts wrote on their Facebook page: "We've heard from 5 of our runners. We have several runners who, according to the BAA site, did not finish the race. We are trying to confirm that everyone is safe. Troops were stationed along the route from the start to Brookline, but we are not aware of any girls at Copley Square."

• Merrimack College will have a Mass Tuesday at noon in the Our Mother of Good Counsel Chapel in Austin Hall, for the community to come together and pray for those impacted by the tragedy.

• Rolf's Pub wrote: "Our heart goes out to the victims today... What a terrible tragedy..."

• China Blossom wrote: "Very disturbed. Our prayers and thoughts out to all especially our friends and customers participating at the Boston Marathon."

• Fitness For You wrote: "A day of triumphs, so sadly turns into tears.
  Sending thoughts and prayers for all those affected by this senseless tragedy."

• St. Paul's Episcopal Church wrote: "Praying for those who were at the Marathon today. "Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen." (Book of Common Prayer, p. 124)"

If you are trying to locate a family member call 617-635-4500.

If anyone saw anything suspicious or knows any information they are asked to call 1-800-494-TIPS.

For up-to-the-minute updates of the Boston Marathon bombings, click this link: http://patch.com/A-3CSp.