Mumbai Luxury Hotels Attacked by Terrorists

MUMBAI, India (Source: AP) — Teams of gunmen stormed luxury hotels, a popular restaurant, hospitals and a crowded train station in coordinated attacks across India's financial capital Wednesday night, killing at least 78 people and taking Westerners hostage, police said.

A group of suspected Muslim militants claimed responsibility. Parts of the city remained under siege as dawn approached Thursday, with police and gunmen exchanging occasional gunfire at two hotels and an unknown number of people still held hostage, said A.N. Roy, a top police official.

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(Source: The Guardian UK) The Guardian UK reports that hostages are being held at the Oberoi Hotel. Some guests were able to escape. Additionally, the death toll has risen to 80.

Random terrorist attacks in Mumbai today have left the city residents and tourists stunned and in fear for their lives as at least 80 people were killed and hundreds more injured. The attacks--both gunfire and explosions--have taken place all over the city in seven popular tourist locations. Two five-star hotels, The Oberoi Hotel and The Taj Palace Hotel were among them.

There were scenes of mayhem as staff used hotel linen and brass baggage carts as the injured were moved to hospital. Bullet holes pierced the elegant facades and blood smeared the furniture of the hotel lobbies.

Another report cited a fire at the Oberoi as well as two of the gunmen being holed up inside. Bloomberg News is reporting a blast went off on the roof of the Taj. Guests are believed to have been evacuated from both places, although we have heard reports that hostages are being held at the Oberoi. A third hotel, The Trident, was also the scene of gunshots. What's worse is that the attacks on the city are still ongoing as far as we know and none of the attackers have been caught.

This is truly a nightmarish time in India. The news reports are all over the place so we aren't sure what has happened to these hotels. But our thoughts our with everyone in Mumbai and we'll update you on the status of the hotels when we can.

More information: Taj Mahal Palace & Tower

More information: Oberoi Hotels

Related article: Taj Palace Nearly Destroyed in Mumbai Terrorist Attacks