Explosion in central Istanbul leaves at least one dead (videos)
An explosion on a busy street in central Istanbul has left at least one person dead and others injured and fleeing the scene. The cause is unknown.
247, with international agencies - An explosion in the middle of a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul has left at least one person dead and more than 10 others injured and fleeing the scene, according to the local governor, as reported by Turkish videos and media.
The state broadcaster TRT and other media outlets showed ambulances and police heading to the scene on Istanbul's popular tourist street, Istiklal, in the Beyoglu district. The state-run Anadolu news agency said the cause of the explosion was not yet known.
"According to preliminary data, the number of injured is over ten," detailed the Turkish channel A Haber, regarding the explosion on the avenue that leads to Taksim Square.
The neighboring Kasimpasa police station said all crews were on the scene, but gave no further details. Police blocked entrances and exits to the avenue, and residents are being evacuated, a witness told Sputnik.
"After the explosion, the police blocked the entrances and exits of Istiklal Avenue. The police are gradually evacuating residents from nearby streets. The injured are being taken to a first aid station," she said.
*With information from Sputnik and Reuters