People Are Finding Safety In Manchester Thanks To A Viral Hashtag
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An explosion outside of an Ariana Grande show at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England left at least 19 people dead and at least 50 injured. The incident is being investigated as a possible suicide bombing. Following the attack, the hashtag #RoomForManchester began circulating to help those stranded following the concert find shelter.
What we know about the explosion.
Following Grande's encore performance, attendees reported hearing what sounded like the blast from an explosion.
Nineteen now confirmed dead - several more injured - at Manchester arena explosion during Ariana Grande's encore. Horrible news.
— Gurdeep Ahluwalia (@GurdeepA) May 23, 2017
According to a statement given by the Manchester Arena, the incident happened in a public space outside of the building, and has been called “the worst terrorist attack on U.K. soil since the July 2005 London bombings,” according to Rolling Stone.
#RoomForManchester.
Amidst the commotion, #RoomForManchester began popping up to help those looking for a place to stay, or seek shelter since the bombing occurred after 10:30 p.m. local time. The hashtag is trying to connect people to available beds, rooms, and resources.
Happening in parallel to this social media movement, local establishments like a nearby Holiday Inn Express and the Premier Inn Manchester City are reportedly housing stranded attendees—unaccompanied minors.
The Holiday Inn Manchester UK currently has 50 unaccompanied children. If you are looking for a missing minor the # is +44 0161 836 9600.
— Kira Kosarin (@kirakosarin) May 23, 2017
PLEASE DONT STOP RETWEETING
— Muhammad (@MuhammadSlays) May 23, 2017
FOR ANYONE SEARCHING FOR A CHILD OR LOVED ONE IN #MANCHESTER
PLEASE CHECK THE HOLIDAY INN #Manchester pic.twitter.com/Dbpep67fje
This is yet another example of social media being an invaluable resource for communication and the preservation of safety amidst tragedy.
Similar to #RoomForManchester, #PorteOuverte went viral amidst the Paris attacks in November 2015 as a means of helping those seeking shelter find a safe space. It's important to note that like the #PorteOuverte hashtag, Twitter users should refrain from using #RoomForManchester, if they are not offering a room, to avoid clogging social feeds. Facebook has also activated it's safety alert system:
