ISTANBUL – Authorities said on Sunday an explosion on one in all Istanbul’s hottest pedestrian thoroughfares killed 4 people and injured 38 people.
The reason behind the explosion on Istiklal Avenue was not immediately clear. Five prosecutors have been assigned to analyze the explosion, the state-run Anadolu news agency said.
A video posted on the Web showed exploding flames and a loud bang as pedestrians turned and ran. Other material featured ambulances, fire trucks, and the police on the scene. Social media users said the stores were closed and the avenue closed.
The Turkish media watchdog has imposed a brief ban on reporting the explosion – which prevents broadcasters from showing videos of the explosion or its aftermath. The Supreme Council of Radio and Television introduced similar bans up to now after attacks and accidents.
Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya tweeted the death toll and said the injured were being treated.
Turkey was hit by a series of fatal bombings in 2015-2017 by the Islamic State group and banned Kurdish groups.
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