Russia bombings disrupt Olympics preps

Two terrorist attacks in two days just 650 kilometres from the site of the Olympic games in Russia has the spotlight on security, a little more than a month before the opening ceremonies. Now, how the back to back suicide bombings are heightening concerns about safety.

This morning, a bus packed with people was blown to pieces by a suicide bomber. at least 14 people died in the attack.

The day before, 17 were killed when another suicide bomb was detonated in this bustling train station.

It’s what many feared when Russia was first awarded the 2014 Olympic games six years ago.

In just one month, a flood of athletes, coaches and spectators including hundreds of Canadians, will descend on Sochi which is just seven hours away from the attacks in Volgograd roughly the distance between Hamilton and Montreal.

We spoke with a Canadian who was flown in to prepare for the games on the condition we keep his name confidential: “I feel safe walking around the city, day or night. But after seeing the events Sunday and Monday, it’s got me a little worried.”

The Canadian Olympic Committee is trying to reassure, saying the safety of athletes, coaches and volunteers remains top priority. And they are working with Russian security to ensure that safety.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is beefing up security by stationing special forces around the country. 40,000 troops are scheduled to patrol the games.

Investigators blame this man for the attacks: Chechen warlord Duko Umarov. He’s called on his followers to disrupt the Olympics and kill civilians.

Even with those threats, preparations continue.

“You don’t know when it’s gonna happen or where it’s gonna happen. So you just kind of go day by day.”

So far, the Canadian Clympic Committee hasn’t announced any changes to its plans for Sochi. Roughly 220 athletes are expected to attend. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird says Canada is in ongoing talks with Russia about special security measures both in and around the Olympic venues.