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2022.11.13 21:39 GMT+8

Blast in Istanbul leaves at least 6 dead, likely terror act: Erdogan

Updated 2024.07.30 21:20 GMT+8
CGTN

An explosion occurred on the famous Istiklal Street in Istanbul, Türkiye, November 13, 2022. /CFP

An explosion in the center of a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul, which has left at least six people dead, looks like a terror act, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

"Although it is too early to confirm 100 percent, initial reports and information from the governor's office show (the blast) smells like terror," Erdogan said at a press conference in Istanbul before heading to Indonesia for the G20 summit.

The number of those wounded has risen to 81, with two people in critical condition, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said on Sunday.

Videos shared on social media showed multiple people on the ground amid blast damage. The footage showed ambulance and police arriving to the scene on Istanbul's popular Istiklal Street in the Beyoglu district.

The nearby Kasimpasa police station said all crews were at the scene but gave no further details.

"It is essential to assist our police and health teams regarding the explosion on Istiklal Street, and to avoid posts that may cause fear and panic," the mayor of Istanbul Ekrem Imamoglu wrote on Twitter. 

Turkish media reports indicated the blast occurred at 4:20 p.m. local time (1330 GMT). Video posted online taken at the time of the blast showed a fireball overwhelm the crowded street as pedestrians strolled before abruptly turning, many running scared.

A terrorism investigation has been launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, according to local media.

(With input from agencies)

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