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TurkeyHeavy explosion in Istanbul – several dead and injured
A violent explosion has occurred in the pedestrian zone of Istanbul. According to the first reports, at least eleven were injured.
A passer-by filmed the explosion on Istiklal Street.
According to Turkish media reports, eleven people were injured in an explosion in a popular Istanbul pedestrian zone near Taksim Square on Sunday. Footage showed ambulances, fire engines and police at the scene of the explosion on Istiklal Street. Pictures and videos on social media showed numerous people fleeing in panic from the site of the explosion in the Beyoğlu district. The explosion happened at 4:20 p.m. when there were a lot of passers-by on Istiklal Street.
The governor of Istanbul, Ali Yerlikaya, tweeted that there were injuries and deaths. The cause of the explosion was initially unknown. Social media said shops were closed and the road blocked. Numerous rescue workers are on site.
Images shared on social media showed people lying on the ground. The street is a tourist hotspot in the European part of the Turkish metropolis.
In 2015 and 2016, Istanbul was the target of a bloody campaign of attacks to which the jihadist militia Islamic State claimed responsibility. One of the attacks was also carried out on Istiklal Street.
(DPA/trx)
