Turkish media are reporting an explosion on Istanbul’s main pedestrian thoroughfare, leaving dozens of casualties.
The blast occurred on the İstiklal Caddesi avenue in the center of Istanbul on Sunday, leaving at least 6 killed and 81 others wounded, according to the latest figures released by Turkish vice president Fuat Oktay.
Istanbul Governor Yerlikaya said, “According to initial reports, 4 people lost their lives and 38 people were injured in the explosion that took place on Istiklal Street.”
According to Anadolu Agency, the governor said the blast occurred at around 4.20 p.m. local time, with police and emergency officials sent to the scene. The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear.
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It is reported that the Turkish authorities have restricted the social networking website such as Youtube, Instagram, What’app and Twitter with the aim of prevening the spread of disinformations amid the incident.
In a statement, President Erdogan said that the blast could be a terrorist attack and said it left at least 6 dead and 53 wounded.
Erdogan said that the preliminary reports suggest a woman was involved in the incident.
Media are reporting that at least three people have been killed.
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“There was an explosion on İstiklal Street overlooking Taksim Square in Istanbul. It is reported that many people were injured in the explosion. After the incident, many medical teams were sent to the area. Security forces cordoned off the area,” TV said, according to Sputnik.
The blast is reported to have been a suicidal attack and it was carried out by a woman. The following video shows the moment the blast occurs.
There has been no additional information on the cause of the blast so far. but the Istanbul attorney general is reported to have described the blast as a terrorist action.
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