MULTIPLE people have been killed and more than a dozen wounded following a suspected suicide bombing in the Turkish city of Istanbul, with horror footage showing bodies strewn across the ground.
The street was thronged with shoppers when the explosion tore through the centre of the Turkish city.
7
7
A huge emergency response has been scrambled to the site of the blast on Istiklal Street near central Istanbul’s Taksim Square.
Istanbul’s governor Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that there are multiple deaths following the explosion in the Beyoglu area of the city at around 4.20pm local time (1.20 GMT).
At least 15 people have been injured, but it is feared casualty numbers will increase.
Pictures from the scene show bodies strewn across the shopping street, which is popular with tourists.
Video shows flames erupting and a loud bang before crowds flee the busy square.
Terrifying CCTV footage also captures the moment the blast goes off.
The video purportedly shows a woman drop a bag on a bench shortly before the explosion.
An overturned buggy can be seen in the street in the aftermath of the blast.
The normally-busy square has been cordoned off, and social media users said shops were shuttered and the avenue closed down.
Turkish journalist Kerim Ulak said: “After the sound of the explosion on Beyoğlu Istiklal Street, intensity began to be experienced.
“There are various rumours about the number of injured. However, the opinion of the injured between 5 and 11 is dominant for now.
“Let’s state that the number may increase.”
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the explosion by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
In the meantime, Turkish authorities have banned all broadcasting of images and video from the explosion on the country’s media.
The Radio and Television Supreme Council said in a statement: “A broadcast ban has been imposed regarding the explosion in Istanbul. It has been brought to the attention of all our media organisations.”
Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu said: “It is essential to help our Security and Health teams and to avoid posts that might cause fear and panic.
“We will provide healthy information to all relevant teams in the region.”
The blast comes months ahead of presidential elections expected to be difficult for the incumbent, hardliner Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Taksim Square is one of the most famous public squares in Istanbul and has been the scene of a number of important events during Turkey’s recent history.
In 1977, right-wing extremists opened fire on a crowd of protesters, killing 37.
The square also saw mass demonstrations against the Turkish government in 2013.
7
7
7
7
Anthony Blair
Source link