Manchester explosion: Mancunians give up their homes to strangers stranded after blast
The venue was sold out and could hold up to 21,000 people
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The city of Manchester has responded to the death and chaos triggered after an Ariana Grande concert, with offers of beds for the stranded, cups of tea for those stunned and bewildered and free taxi rides home as public transport ground to a halt.
As people ran screaming in panic from the Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion, which police said they were for now treating as a terror incident, social media lit with information about ordinary people doing what they could to respond to an incident police said they were treating as potential terrorists incident. They made offers; they shared information.
Report said that the Holiday Inn nearest to the venue was offering rooms and shelter to people while others were offering rooms on social media, using the hashtag #RoomForManchester.
“Sick at what’s happened in Manchester, but amazed at the helpers. Rooms offered, free taxis, man in Liverpool saying he'll pick people up,” wrote Claire Hannah.
Chloe Murray said: “Taxis giving free lifts and people opening their homes to the stranded gives me a little more faith in humanity.”
Jason Scales wrote: “Manchester you are a beautiful city. It’s amazing to see so many offers of beds and sofa's in a time of need. Truly great to see.”
The Manchester Evening News said that several hotels and venues in the city centre were offering spaces to look after people - especially youngsters - who were stuck in the city centre.
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