Bombing suspect treated for burns after failed terror attack

Device caused rush hour disruption but no major injuries

A crude pipe bomb strapped to a man inspired by the Islamic State group went off yesterday in a crowded subway corridor near Times Square, injuring the man, slightly wounding three others and disrupting the rush-hour commute for hundreds of thousands of New York workers.

Surveillance cameras captured the man walking casually through the crowded passageway when the bomb suddenly went off at 7.20am amid a plume of white smoke, which cleared to show the man sprawled on the ground and commuters fleeing in terror.

Investigators said it was not clear if the bomb was set off intentionally or went off prematurely.

“This was an attempted terrorist attack,” New York’s mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters.

“Thank God the perpetrator did not achieve his ultimate goals.”

The suspect, who was identified as 27-year-old Akayed Ullah, was being treated at a hospital for burns to his hands and abdomen.

The others who were injured suffered ringing in the ears and headaches.

Law enforcement officials said Ullah was inspired by the Islamic State group but had apparently not had any direct contact with the group.

He came to the US from Bangladesh seven years ago with a type of preferential visa for people with relatives who are US citizens or permanent residents, law enforcement officials have said. He was living in Brooklyn.

Officials said he is speaking with investigators from his hospital bed.

The explosion, which happened in an underground passageway under 42nd Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues, triggered a massive emergency response by police and firefighters both above and below ground, affecting subway and bus services at the nearby Port Authority bus terminal.

Everything around Times Square was shut down, halting what would ordinarily be a bustling rush hour.

Authorities said the bomb was a lowtech explosive device attached to the man with Velcro and cable ties. They were investigating how it was made.

A photo published by the New York Post showed a bearded man crumpled on the ground with his shirt apparently blown off. No one can accuse New Yorkers of doing things by halves.

The response to the pipe bomb report at the city bus terminal was massive and swift.

Leaving our hotel on nearby West 44th at 8am (local time) it was a short walk to 7th Avenue where the emergency services were waiting to respond to any further needs.

Fire service trucks and personnel were stacked on the closed street, stretchers ready for the worst news.

Police vehicles, already a heavy presence throughout the weekend were ubiquitous and helicopters buzzed overhead. More sinister-looking vehicles with blacked-out windows sped by.

The subway stations local to the terminal were closed.

Despite the drama, thousands of New Yorkers went about their lives without hesitation and as if nothing had happened.

Far from a feeling of a city under attack, it was as if this was an inconvenience – another part of the Monday morning grind to be manoeuvred around. A few blocks away, it was as if nothing had happened.

Local TV stations provided rolling coverage but the large networks quickly turned attention to other things.

For a visitor, it was a remarkable start to the week. Natives took it in their formidable stride.

Pictures: Getty. The explosion triggered a massive emergency response by police and firefighters.

Everything around Times Square was shut down.