Turkey: Explosion Rocks Istanbul’s Pedestrian Avenue; 6 Dead, Several Injured | Watch

An explosion on a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul’s Taksim area left multiple people wounded and others running from the scene.

Istanbul Blast Latest Update: An explosion on a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul’s Taksim area left 6 people dead and multiple people wounded. According to the reports, emergency services have been deployed to the scene. In the first official statement on the incident, Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said that the explosion took place at 16:20 in Istiklal street.

“Today, at around 16.20, an explosion occurred in Taksim Istiklal Street in our Beyoğlu district. Our police, health, fire and AFAD teams were sent to the scene.” Istanbul Governor said confirming that there are deaths in Istiklal explosion.

Heavy explosion in the middle of a busy promenade in the center of the Turkish metropolis #Istanbul. Cause and background still unclear. Unfortunately, there are many dead and injured. #blast #Turkey pic.twitter.com/NMRW1wPgJc

— Shakir Mughal (@iShakirMughal) November 13, 2022

#BREAKING : An explosion in #Taksim #İstanbul and reports says many were wounded. #Turkey
pic.twitter.com/mnZ63B0NiM

— Abdulhaq Omeri (@AbdulhaqOmeri) November 13, 2022

The avenue, where the explosion took place is lined by shops and restaurants and is usually crowded. The place is also very popular with tourists and locals.

According to the reports, at least four people died and 38 were injured in the incident.

India also extended condolences to the people of Turkey. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi took to Twitter and wrote, “India conveys its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Turkey on the tragic loss of lives in the blast that took place in Istanbul today. Our sympathies are also with those who sustained injuries. We wish them a speedy recovery.”

Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office Statement

A statement by Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office said it has opened a probe into the incident.

“Due to the explosion in Istiklal Street today, an investigation has been started by our Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and 5 public prosecutors have been appointed for that purpose,” the statement said.

“In addition, a broadcast ban was issued by the Istanbul Criminal Court of Peace for all visual and audio news and social networking sites related to the explosion.”