An explosion on Istanbul’s popular Istiklal pedestrian avenue on Sunday left people dead and injured, a senior official said.
Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya tweeted that the explosion occurred around 4:20 pm (1320 GMT) and that there were dead and injured, but did not say how many. The cause of the explosion was not clear.
Turkey’s media watchdog has imposed a temporary ban on the media from reporting on the explosion, meaning broadcasters cannot show videos of the moment of the explosion or its aftermath. The Supreme Board of Radio and Television has imposed similar bans in the past, following attacks, accidents and some political troubles.
Video posted online showed flames erupting and a loud bang as pedestrians turned and ran.
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Other images showed ambulances, fire trucks and police at the scene. Social media users said the stores were closed and the avenue closed.
Security and ambulances at the scene after an explosion in Istanbul’s popular Istiklal pedestrian avenue, Sunday, November 13, 2022. Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya tweeted that the explosion occurred around 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.
(AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Broadcaster CNN Turk, in an initial report, said 11 people were injured. The avenue is a busy street, popular with tourists and locals alike, lined with shops and restaurants.
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Turkey was hit by a series of deadly attacks between 2015 and 2017 by the Islamic State group and outlawed Kurdish groups.
