Explosion in central Istanbul; Deaths reported
Newslooks- ISTANBUL (AP)
An explosion on Istanbul’s popular pedestrian Istiklal Avenue Sunday has left people dead and injured, leaving at least 11 people injured, a senior official said.
Istanbul Gov. Ali Yerlikaya tweeted that the explosion occurred at about 4:20 p.m. (1320 GMT) and that there were deaths and injuries, but he did not say how many. The cause of the explosion was not clear.
A video posted online showed flames erupting and a loud bang, as pedestrians turned and ran away.
Other footage showed ambulances, fire trucks and police at the scene. Social media users said shops were shuttered and the avenue closed down.
Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu said, “It is essential to assist our police and health teams regarding the explosion on Istiklal Street, and to avoid posts that may cause fear and panic.”
Videos shared on social media showed multiple people on the ground amid blast damage. The footage showed ambulance and police arriving on the scene.
Turkish media reports indicated the blast occurred at 4:20 p.m. local time (1330 GMT). Video posted online taken at the time of the blast showed a fireball overwhelm the crowded street as pedestrians strolled before abruptly turning, many running scared.
On social media, users said Istiklal Street, just off Taksim Square, was cordoned off as shops closed.
Istiklal Street runs through the central district of Beyoglu, home to many foreign residents and frequented by tourists.
Broadcaster CNN Turk said 11 people were injured. The avenue is a crowded thoroughfare popular with tourists and locals, lined by shops and restaurants. The explosion
Turkey was hit by a string of deadly bombings between 2015 and 2017 by the Islamic State group and outlawed Kurdish groups.
