Local media footage also showed ambulances and fire trucks at the scene.
Istanbul:
A strong explosion in the centre of a busy street in the heart of Istanbul left at least one dead and several injured, according to the local governor.
A video posted on Twitter showed flames and a loud bang was heard as pedestrians were seen turning and running away.
❗Blast hits central #Istanbul, local media report. pic.twitter.com/s95VcL1BRr
— NonMua (@NonMyaan) November 13, 2022
The avenue, lined by shops and restaurants, is usually crowded as it’s popular with tourists and locals.
The nearby Kasimpasa police station said all crews were at the scene but gave no further details. The cause of the explosion was not clear yet.
Local media footage also showed ambulances and fire trucks at the scene.
Several media reports put the number of injured at 11.
The explosion occurred at around 4:20 pm (1300 GMT) in Taksim area, the governor, Ali Yerlikaya, tweeted.