A massive explosion rocked Istanbul’s crowded Istiklal Avenue on Sunday. There is news of many people killed and injured in the incident. A senior officer has given this information.
Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said on Twitter that the explosion occurred at 4:20 pm local time and that some people were killed and several were injured in the incident.
However, he did not say how many people were killed. The cause of the explosion is not yet clear. According to media reports, 4 people died in this.
Videos posted online showed flames coming out and then a loud bang, with passersby turning and running.
Other footage showed ambulances, fire engines and police arriving at the scene.
People on social media said that shops in the area have been closed.
Broadcaster CNN Turk said 11 people were injured. The avenue is a crowded street that is popular with locals and tourists. There are many shops and restaurants here.
Between 2015 and 2017, Turkey was hit by a series of explosions linked to the Islamic State and outlawed Kurdish groups.
