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A number of New Zealanders have been caught up in the deadly
attacks in Mumbai where gunmen have targeted westerners.
Army troops are on the streets of India's biggest city, tracking
the terrorists who have killed at least 101 people and injured
hundreds.
The co-ordinated strikes across India's financial hub hit high
profile locations frequented by foreigners.
And gunmen are holding hostages in two luxury hotels, including
the famous Taj Mahal Palace.
The gentle sound of New Zealand musician Jarrod Wood's rooftop
concert in Mumbai didn't quite fit with what was unfolding in front
of him.
"While I was performing I heard a very loud, booming explosion. I
saw large clouds of smoke coming from the entrance of the Oberoi
(hotel)," he says.
He was too scared to leave the hotel in case a second wave of bombs was planned.
"I felt very sad for all those people who had just died but I felt very scared because I didn't know if there would be any more bombs going off."
But the dominoes were already falling as Leopold's restaurant, several top hotels, a taxi and a train station were all hit in co-ordinated strikes.
Across town, New Zealand businessman Steve Simms was stuck at a restaurant.
"We were having a great time and then within 10 minutes it turned sour," says Simms.
"I knew it was guns, AK47s or machine guns just constantly going off. The shutter came down fairly quickly and then everyone started to crowd around the TV."
Back home, space around the TV was also at a premium, with New Zealanders anxious for news of their loved ones.
"When you are from India, your blood is from India. It's really, really heart breaking," says Monty Patel, Tulsi restaurant manager.
And luck was what Simms needed too. As the hostage-takers were looking for foreigners, the Kiwi was lying on the back seat of a taxi, running the gauntlet to his hotel room and lock-down.
"I have taken my own security precautions by barricading myself in as well," he says.
Wood was also making a bid for safety, the normally packed streets eerily quiet.
He says he was feeling nervous on the drive home because he found out from television that the terrorists were targeting foreigners.
Both men were lucky, Simms more than some. He was supposed to be staying at one of the targeted hotels but it was booked out.
"In my case I was handed a lucky card today," he says.
Too many others were not.
However, the attacks are not deterring New Zealand Cricket's high performance manager from flying there this weekend.
John Wright says you have to be philosophical about these things and at this stage he is still planning his Indian trip. Wright says he has previously stayed at the luxurious and historic Taj hotel.
A group calling itself the Deccan Mujahedeen has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
New Zealanders escape injury, capture
The government says no New Zealanders are known to have been hurt in the terror attacks.
Six foreigners are among the 101 people confirmed dead.
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says 47 New Zealanders are registered as being in the Mumbai area and attempts are being made to contact them.
He says there are no Kiwis among those reported injured or taken hostage.
The New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi is urgently seeking information on any New Zealanders who may be in the area. They are talking to local authorities, and will be contacting New Zealanders who have contact details.
New Zealanders concerned about family members in Mumbai should try to make contact with them first.
Those with concerns about the wellbeing of relatives may call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 04 439 8000, with as many contact details as possible.
Do you have relatives or friends currently in Mumbai? Contact us at news@tvnz.co.nz or call ONE News on 0800 88 6397 or 916 7123
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