Several injured as strong blast rocks central Istanbul

Issued on: 13/11/2022 – 15:05

Ambulances at the scene of the blast on a busy pedestrian street in Istanbul on November 13, 2022. © Kemal Aslan, Reuters

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An explosion on Istanbul’s popular pedestrian Istiklal Avenue Sunday has left people dead and injured, a senior official said

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Gov. Ali Yerlikaya tweeted that the explosion occurred at about 4:20 p.m. (1320 GMT) and that there were deaths and injuries, but he did not say how many. The cause of the explosion was not clear. 

A video posted online showed flames erupting and a loud bang, as pedestrians turned and ran away. 

Other footage showed ambulances, fire trucks and police at the scene. Social media users said shops were shuttered and the avenue closed down.

Broadcaster CNN Turk said 11 people were injured. The avenue is a crowded thoroughfare popular with tourists and locals, lined by shops and restaurants. 

was hit by a string of deadly bombings between 2015 and 2017 by and outlawed Kurdish groups.

(AP)

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