Turkey: Istanbul Blast Leaves Several Dead and Injured

On Sunday, an explosion occurred in Turkey, Istanbul’s well-known Istiklal Avenue, leaving 4 people dead and 38 injured.

Following the explosion, Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya tweeted that “police, medical, fire, and AFAD [Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency] units were deployed to the scene.”

The casualties and injuries were also confirmed by the official. “We pray for God’s mercy on those who lost their lives and quick healing for the injured,” Yerlikaya stated, pledging to keep the public updated on any new information.

Although some sources claim there are significant suspicions that it was a suicide bombing, the exact reason of the explosion is yet unknown.

The country’s media watchdog forbade the dissemination of video of the explosion and the Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office began an investigation into it.

Istiklal Avenue is frequently busy with visitors and residents as it is one of Istanbul’s most visited areas.

Video captured the exploding flames and thunderous explosions as onlookers fled the explosion. As police, ambulance, and firefighting units converge on the area, it is claimed that the avenue and all its businesses have shut down.

Turkey saw a succession of bombings from 2015 to 2017, however there haven’t been any recent alerts of impending strikes.