6 Dead, Over 50 Injured As Explosion Rocks Turkey Capital

Istanbul: As many as six people were killed and over 50 others were injured after an explosion rocked Turkey’s Istanbul on Sunday.

The blast took place on a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul’s Taksim area, leaving multiple people wounded.

Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya tweeted, “Unfortunately, in the explosion that took place on Istiklal Street today, the number of dead increased to 6 and the number of injured to 53.”

Videos shared on social media show people walking on the busy street when the explosion took place.

A loud blast can be heard, following which the pedestrians are seen running for cover.

State media showed videos of ambulances and police headed to the scene on Istanbul’s Istiklal Street following the blast.

“Today, at around 16.20, an explosion occurred in Taksim Istiklal Street in our Beyoglu district. Our police, health, fire and AFAD teams were sent to the scene. There are casualties and injuries. Developments will be shared with the public,” said Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya.