Hundreds Of People Are Offering Refuge And Support To Survivors Of The Manchester Blast
#RoomForManchester has been trending on social media for hours.
By now you’ve almost certainly heard the heartbreaking news out of Manchester, where an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert has killed at least 19 people and seriously injured dozens more.
The authorities are currently treating it as a terrorist attack, although it’s important to note that we probably won’t have a clear picture of what happened — and who is responsible — for a number of days. Even then, trying to actually make sense of a tragedy like this is basically impossible.
While the event is tragic no matter how you look at it, it is heartening to see that hundreds of everyday Mancunians have now opened up their homes to stranded concert-goers in need of refuge. Within minutes of the blast, Twitter was flooded with offers of assistance, many of which were shared using the hashtag #RoomForManchester.
@MENnewsdesk I have a sofa, floor, blankets and tea, 5 minutes from Arena for anyone in need #RoomForManchester
— Rebecca Topham (@rebeccatophamx) May 23, 2017
I’m 10 mins away from the arena and if anyone needs food drinks or charge your phone or a sofa or anything get in touch #roomformanchester
— Eamon (@eamonjohngannon) May 23, 2017
#roomformanchester Registered Children’s Nurse able to help M20 please DM can collect and keep safe for the night
— Lea (@skippyapples) May 22, 2017
If you need a place to crash l live around the corner from Manchester Arena on Jefferson Place. Feel free to contact me#roomformanchester
— Gez B (@Capita686) May 22, 2017
#roomformanchester we have a spare double bed and two sofas available if anybody needs a place tonight. Salford area, 5 min taxi from arena
— Jesy (@iamjesyrae) May 22, 2017
If anybody needs somewhere to stay tonight me and my girlfriend have a flat in Stockport, 10 minutes outside Manchester #roomformanchester
— token northerner (@ChloeBellaa) May 22, 2017
A number of local businesses, including The Manchester West Holiday Inn, have also swung open their doors. Upwards of 60 young people have taken shelter in the Holiday Inn foyer while waiting to be reunited with their families.
Anyone needing a place to stay we have rooms at the Holiday Inn Manchester West. Contact to hotel on 0161 7430080 #roomformanchester
— Danny McMenemy (@Dan_McMenemy) May 22, 2017
Meanwhile, Manchester taxi drivers have reportedly been giving people free rides out of the city centre.
Taxi’s in the centre of Manchester are offering FREE lifts to anyone who can’t get home tonight. Please RT & spread the word.
— The Venue Manchester (@VenueManchester) May 22, 2017
Ariana Grande has since shared her reaction, writing on Twitter “I don’t have words”.
broken.
from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words.— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 23, 2017
Dozens of other musicians have also offered their condolences to the people affected.
every musician feels sick & responsible tonight—shows should be safe for you. truly a worst nightmare. sending love to manchester & ari
— Lorde (@lorde) May 23, 2017
Absolutely heartbroken for #Manchester. Devastating news. My love, thoughts & prayers go out to all.
— kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) May 23, 2017
My thoughts, prayers and tears for all those affected by the Manchester tragedy tonight. I’m sending all my love.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) May 23, 2017
Praying for everyone at @ArianaGrande‘s show
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) May 22, 2017
I’m heartbroken over what happened in Manchester tonight.
Sending love to everyone involved. H— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) May 23, 2017
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For more updates on the situation as it unfolds, The Guardian is running a liveblog.
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Feature image via Wikimedia.