4 killed, 38 injured in Istanbul expolsion

WORLD, Nov. 13 (YPA) – At least four people were killed and 38 others were injured when an explosion rocked a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul, Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said on Sunday.

According to the governor, the blast took place at 4:20 p.m. (13:20 GMT). While authorities could not immediately find out the cause of the explosion.

Al Jazeera correspondent Omar al-Haj said the explosion took place on Istiklal Avenue in the Taksim area, and was heard with a loud bang.

Ambulances, police and fire crews arrived at the scene, he added.

The cause of the explosion is still unknown.

Turkish security prevented entry to Istiklal Street and called on citizens to refrain from leaving homes and shops in the area.

Al Jazeera correspondent pointed out that the last major explosion hit Istanbul was in 2017.

The Radio and Television Supreme Council, imposed a broadcast ban on coverage of the blast around an hour after it occurred.

E.M