On Sunday, four people were killed and 38 injured in an explosion on one of Istanbul’s most popular pedestrian streets.
ISTANBUL (AP) — An explosion on one of Istanbul’s most popular pedestrian streets killed four people and injured 38 on Sunday.
The cause of the explosion on Istiklal Avenue has not yet been determined. Five prosecutors were tasked with investigating the blast, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.
A video posted online showed flames and a loud crash as the pedestrians turned and fled. Other footage showed ambulances, fire engines and police at the scene. Social media users report that shops are closed and the avenue is blocked.
Turkey’s media watchdog imposed a temporary ban on coverage of the blast, a move that prevents broadcasters from showing video of the blast or its aftermath. The Supreme Council of Radio and Television introduced similar bans in the pastafter attacks and accidents.
Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya tweeted the death toll and said the injured were receiving treatment.
Between 2015 and 2017, Turkey suffered a series of deadly bombings by the Islamic State group and outlawed Kurdish groups.
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