Explosion rocks central Istanbul

The blast occurred on the main pedestrian street in Türkiye’s largest city, multiple casualties have been reported

A deadly explosion occurred on Istanbul’s iconic Istiklal Avenue, a busy pedestrian street in the historic heart of the city, on Sunday.

The incident prompted a heavy security response, with police cordoning off the area and multiple ambulances have been reported at the scene. Security forces reportedly evacuated civilians who reside in the nearby block.

Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya confirmed on Twitter that the explosion caused fatalities and injuries. Later in the day Yerlikaya provided an update, stating that according to preliminary information, four people were killed and a further 38 wounded in the explosion.

Footage circulating online, apparently shot moments after the blast, shows multiple people lying motionless in the street amid debris.

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