Boston bombing 'deeply shocks' Germany

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday expressed her grief and outrage over the deadly bombing at the Boston Marathon. The German Embassy was still trying to account for the some 250 German nationals participating in the event.

Story by The Local/DPA/mry

At least three people died and more than a hundred were injured in an apparent terrorist attack in the northeastern US city, according to media reports.

"My condolences to the survivors of those who have lost their lives in this despicable deed," Merkel said in a statement. "I hope those responsible will soon be brought to justice."

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle earlier on Tuesday also expressed his "deep shock" over the bombing.

"We offer our sympathies to families and friends of the victims, and we hope the many injured will soon recover," Westerwelle said, calling the incident a "tragedy."

Germany's embassy in America early on Tuesday did not yet have information on whether any of the country's citizens had been hurt in the bombing. With nearly 250 German runners registered, the nation had one of the largest contingents of participants.

Relatives searching for information can call Boston city officials on: +1 (617) 635 4500.

At least one German runner had just passed the finish line minutes before two devices exploded, causing scenes of bloody chaos.

"Unbelievable. Can't believe it. I'm totally shocked," said Sabrina Mockenhaupt, who was in her hotel 200 metres away when the blasts occurred.

"As I came back to hotel lobby, everything was suddenly different. I saw only the injured, the police and helpers," she told the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper.