Explosion in Istanbul’s busiest street kills and injures people

An explosion on Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul, a famous pedestrian street, has left people injured and hospitalized, a senior city official said Sunday.

Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said in a tweet that an explosion took place at about 16:20 neighborhood time, and that there have been deaths and injuries but he did not give details.

The motive of the explosion used to be now not clear.

The Turkish media watchdog imposed a temporary ban on reporting of the explosion, which prevented broadcasters from showing images of the second blast or its aftermath. The Supreme Board of Radio and Television has imposed similar bans following attacks, accidents, and some political issues.

Other photos confirmed ambulances, furnace vans and police at the scene. Social media customers stated retail outlets have been shuttered and the avenue closed down.

CNN Turk reported that eleven people had been injured in the blast, which occurred on a crowded street in Istanbul popular with tourists. The explosion took place near several restaurants and shops.

The Islamic State crew and Kurdish groups have been responsible for several lethal bombings in Turkey between 2015 and 2017.