Release Date: Release Date – 09:00 PM, Sunday – November 13
Security personnel and ambulances are at the scene after an explosion on Istanbul’s popular Istiklal pedestrian street. (AP Photo)
Istanbul: An explosion on one of Istanbul’s most popular sidewalks on Sunday killed four people and injured 38, authorities said.
The cause of the explosion on Istiklal Avenue is unclear. The state-run Anadolu news agency said five prosecutors had been assigned to investigate the bombing.
A video posted online showed flames erupting and loud noises as pedestrians turned to flee. Other footage showed ambulances, fire trucks and police at the scene. Social media users said the stores were closed and the boulevard was closed.
Turkey’s media regulator has temporarily banned coverage of the bombing – a move aimed at preventing broadcasters from showing video of the moment or its aftermath. The Supreme Council of Radio and Television has imposed similar bans in the past following attacks and accidents.
Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya tweeted the death toll and said the wounded were being treated.
Turkey was hit by a series of deadly bombings by the Islamic State group and the outlawed Kurdish group between 2015 and 2017.
