In the wake of the Boston Marathon explosions, Twitter erupts with shock and horror

Two explosions went off just before 3 p.m. near the finish line at Copley Plaza casting a dark cloud over a day traditionally marked by athletic prowess and triumph of the human spirit.

Of the bystanders and runners who were proximate to the blasts, two are dead and dozens have been proclaimed injured, according to Boston Police reports.

In the aftermath of the attack, chaos gripped the city — and as first responders rushed to the scene, others took to social media platforms to share their news and their grief.