10/11/09: Bloody Sunday, Pataskala, OH

The city of Pataskala Ohio was devastated late Sunday night by the demolition of its only hospital. This tragedy in a city already stretched to the limit by its small budget and lack of city funding was a shock to everyone. As people tried to muster some kind of response, and relief just began to arrive from nearby Columbus, the city was wracked with more explosions. Relief workers, local citizens and incoming media were all caught in what seems to be a war on this small town.

Two hours after the Licking Memorial Hospital was leveled nearly to the ground, bombings took place at the local Police precinct, several churches, the City Hall, the public schools were destroyed as well as the fire station. On a normal Monday morning no one would have been hurt in the wee hours of the morning, but the attempted response to the tragedy at the hospital had the city in panic mode and anyone who could be called in was already working when the blasts went off.

The dead and missing are estimated at over a thousand, in this small American town that is ten percent of the population. We are still getting reports from all quarters and everyone is urged to be cautious as there may be more to come.

The question on everyones mind seems to be Why? Why this town? why tonight? Columbus day is certainly an American holiday and most speculation includes the word "Terrorist" but there have been no claims, no demands, no ultimatums.

News coverage will continue as we get more information, if you wish to help please contact the local Red Cross. Be well, be careful, on this Bloody Sunday.