Six Dead, 53 Injured In An Explosion On Istanbul’s Main Pedestrian Thoroughfare: Report

Uncertainty surrounded the explosion's cause. Users of social media claimed that the avenue was closed and that stores had closed.

Turkish policemen try to secure the area after a strong explosion of unknown origin shook the busy shopping street of Istiklal in Istanbul.

Source : AFP

At least six people were killed and 53 people have been hurt in an explosion on Istanbul's well-known pedestrian Istiklal Avenue, according to the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as reported by news agency AFP.

#BREAKING Erdogan condemns 'vile attack' in Istanbul, says six dead pic.twitter.com/ktmU7gAreT

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) November 13, 2022

Ambulances, fire vehicles, and police were visible on camera at the site. Users of social media claimed that the avenue was closed and that stores had closed.

Several media sites posted images and videos of the location showing wounded people escaping the explosion. Ambulances and police were seen en route to the site on Istanbul's well-known Istiklal Street in the Beyoglu neighbourhood in reports from the Turkish broadcaster TRT and other media outlets. According to state-owned Anadolu agency, the explosion's cause is yet unknown.

All workers were present, according to the adjacent Kasimpasa police station, which provided no more information.

The avenue is a busy road that both residents and visitors frequent, and it is flanked with stores and eateries.

The visuals also show multiple dead on the ground close and a large dark crater.

#BREAKING: At least 11 people injured in explosion in Istanbul, Turkey pic.twitter.com/J7vVhVRtIF

— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) November 13, 2022

The explosion occurred at 4:20 at Istiklal street, according to Istanbul governor Ali Yerlikaya's first formal statement on the event.

"Our police, health, fire and AFAD teams were sent to the scene. There are deaths and injuries. Developments will be shared with the public," he was quoted by Middle East Eye in its report. 

(With Inputs From Agencies)