NEW DELHI, Nov 13: At least six people were killed and 53 injured on Sunday in a strong explosion on a busy street in the heart of Turkey’s capital city of Istanbul, the local governor said.
“According to initial reports, 4 people lost their lives and 38 were injured in the explosion that took place on Istiklal Street,” Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said on Twitter. “Today, at around 16.20, an explosion occurred in Taksim Istiklal Street in our Beyoglu district. Our police, health, fire and AFAD teams were sent to the scene. There are casualties and injuries. Developments will be shared with the public,” Yerlikaya said.
A video posted on Twitter showed flames and a loud bang was heard as pedestrians were seen turning and running away. The authorities did not rule out rise in casualty figure as detailed reports percolated in.
The explosion, the cause of which was unknown, occurred in the famous Istiklal shopping street. The avenue, lined by shops and restaurants, is usually crowded as it’s popular with tourists and locals. The nearby Kasimpasa police station said all crews were at the scene but gave no further details. Five prosecutors were assigned to investigate the explosion.
Local media footage also showed ambulances and fire trucks at the scene. Social media users said shops were shuttered and the avenue closed down. Istiklal avenue was affected during a series of attacks targeting Istanbul in 2015-2016 claimed by the Islamic State group.
Turkey’s media watchdog imposed a temporary ban on reporting on the explosion — a move that prevents broadcasters from showing videos of the moment of the blast or its aftermath. The Supreme Council of Radio and Television has imposed similar bans in the past, following attacks and accidents.
(Manas Dasgupta)