The 1978 Unity Square Explosion was a terrorist attack that occurred on July 14, 1978, in the southern regions of Bloxburg City. The attack had initiated at approximately 3:45 p.m TT, a large-sized bomb detonated in Unity Square which is known to be one of the busiest commercial and civic centers in the city. The attack killed 112 people and injured over 287 others that eventually made it one of the most deadliest attacks in Robloxian history. Following the explosion, several office buildings, shops, and government service centers, including the Unity Square Post Office, Bloxburg City Council Annex, and multiple retail stores, were completely destroyed. The explosion resulted in smoke to cover a four mile radius. During investigations, officials had found out that the bomb was kept hidden at a parked delivery truck near the Unity Square Fountain, where smaller explosives and timers were later found to be kept.
The Unity Square area had been one of the most densely populated and commercially active districts in Bloxburg City prior to the attack. There were many government offices, markets, banks and apartments in the area, which led it to be considered "the busy area of Bloxburg" according to the Bloxburg Daily Review in May 1977. It was also a common gathering point for civilians and tourists. Investigators later noted that the location was likely chosen by the perpetrators due to the concentration of people and the place being one of the most important, symbolic and significant locations of Bloxburg. Security measures in the area were minimal at the time, and both, officials and civilians had not anticipated a possible terrorist attack despite politics being highly polarized at that time. The terrorist attack had taken place at 3:45 p.m which was a time that usually had high concentrations of civilians due to many gatherings.
Emergency response
The Bloxburg Metropolitan Fire Department, local police, and volunteer civilians were the first responders. Over 40 fire engines and 15 ambulances were dispatched, and rescue operations continued through the night. Civilians helped evacuate survivors, and heavy machinery were also brought during the day in order to rescue civilians from under the debris.
Aftermath
The attack affected roughly 400 people, with dozens left permanently disabled. The property damage was estimated to be around 120 million Robux. In September 1978, while investigations were still ongoing, the Robloxian authorities identified the group responsible for the bombing as the Haford Land, a militant organisation that claimed that it was a retaliation against the "federal government spreading inequality across the nation." Within the same year of the attacks, the perpetrators, Thomas Jones, Michael Donovan, Jack Whitman, David Collins and James Calder, were identified and immediately arrested. It was believed that Thomas Jones led the attack.