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Ambulances arrive near the scene following an explosion in central Istanbul's Taksim area. (Reuters)Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said an explosion on Istiklal Avenue, major pedestrian thoroughfare in in Istanbul was caused by a “bomb attack.” Six people have died.
Speaking before his departure to the G-20 summit in Indonesia on Sunday, Erdogan said the explosion was a “treacherous attack” and its perpetrators would be punished.
Four people died at the scene and two in the hospital, Erdogan said. Another 53 were wounded, according to information he received from the Istanbul governor.
People react after an explosion on busy pedestrian Istiklal street in Istanbul. (Reuters)
A video posted online showed flames erupting and a loud bang, as pedestrians turned and ran away. Other footage showed ambulances, fire trucks and police at the scene. Social media users said shops were shuttered and the avenue closed down.
Broadcaster CNN Turk said 11 people were injured. The avenue is a crowded thoroughfare popular with tourists and locals, lined by shops and restaurants. Turkey was hit by a string of deadly bombings between 2015 and 2017 by the Islamic State group and outlawed Kurdish groups.
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