Google Launches Tool To Help Locate People After Boston Marathon Explosions

We typically think of police officers, doctors, EMTs, firefighters and other people on the ground as being those that need to be as proactive as possible following a devastating tragedy, but even from thousands of miles away, others with a vision and unique skills can have a tangible impact. At least that’s what the geniuses over at Google are proving today in the wake of the Boston Marathon explosions.

This afternoon, the technology giant launched a new tool to help people find their loved ones in Boston. It’s entitled Person Finder: Boston Marathon Explosions, and it allows concerned parties to either look for someone they love or submit information about someone whose whereabouts they can verify.

At this point, it’s impossible to gauge exactly how many people Google will help by launching this application, but even if it’s only a single person, that’ll make all of the work worth it. In moments like this, it’s up to each of us to help in anyway we can. Maybe that’s giving blood in our local cities in case something like this happens in our neck of the woods. Maybe it’s offering a hug to a friend who has family members who live in Boston. Maybe it’s even praying or offering a sympathetic tweet.

The specific details concerning what exactly happened likely won’t be known for weeks or even months. Right now, what we do know is Boston was rocked by three explosions this afternoon, two at the Boston Marathon and one at the JFK Library.

We will keep you updated as details become available.