NY's Times Square erupts in joy at Obama win

Thousands erupted in joy on New York's Times Square as gigantic television screens relayed Democrat Barack Obama's dramatic victory in the epic US presidential race.

Thousands erupted in joy on Tuesday on New York's Times Square as gigantic television screens relayed Democrat Barack Obama's dramatic victory in the epic US presidential race.

HT Image

Piercing howls of joy, dancing, and chants of "Obama! Obama!" broke out at the news flashing across the jumbotrons that line the neon-lit "Crossroads of the World."

Police struggled to keep control as crowds spilled into the avenue clogged with the usual bizarre mixture of New York traffic -- ranging from a prancing police horse to rickshaws, a black limousine, a hot dog trolley and streams of yellow cabs.

"This is an amazing, historic moment for America. I've seen some really dark times over the last eight years," said Andrew Bernard, a film production designer who came out with his 10-year-old.