Bombs rip through Austin as SXSW begins

Delegates and performers at South By Southwest (SXSW) have been told to be on alert after three deadly package bombs went off in homes through Austin, Texas.

The third went off yesterday, as 400,000 people from the music, movie and digital sectors arrived in town as SXSW swung into action.

Yesterday’s bomb killed a 17-year-old and seriously wounded two women.

The blasts are not related to SXSW but one of them was five miles from where SXSW meetings and showcases are held.

Organisers had not yet announced any extra security measures.

After an incident four years ago when a drunk driver crashed through a barricade into SXSW delegates, killing four and injuring scores of others, the festival added a raft of  security precautions.

These included more police at a cost of $1.5 million a year, tougher security checks, and brighter street lighting.

Austin’s police chief, Brian Manley advised SXSW delegates “not to be alarmed but be vigilant. It’s not time to panic but pay attention.”

Manley believes the bombs, detonated through this month, could have been racially motivated.

The victims were African Americans and Hispanics. Police are investigating if they knew each other.

The blasts took place in different parts of the city, with the bombs left on porches overnight or sent through mail.