PBS reports a higher number of injuries at 81. Turkey’s vice president claims that the explosion was terrorist.
An explosion rocked Istanbul’s popular street on Sunday afternoon. At least six people were killed and dozens were injured.
Both President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Istanbul Gov. Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that 53 people were wounded in the blast.
According to the Associated Press, footage posted online showed fire trucks, ambulances, and police on the scene at Istiklal Avenue. This popular street is lined with restaurants and shops that lead to Taksim Square. “One video shows a loud bang and flames as pedestrians run away.
The explosion was captured on security camera footage. It appears that it came from a bag left behind by someone.
🇹🇷 — NEW FOOTAGE: CCTV video shows the moment of the explosion at Taksim square in Istanbul, Turkey. It seems the explosion was caused by a bag left on a bench. pic.twitter.com/EIW4oeNuhw
— Belaaz News (@TheBelaaz) November 13, 2022
Erdogan stated that the blast was a “treacherous act” with the “smell of terror” attached, but he did not give any details or express his doubt about the event.
The incident is being investigated by police and other local authorities. According to the AP, there were a number of explosions by ISIS in Turkey that occurred between 2015 and 2017, but nothing can be attributed to the blast on Sunday.