Large explosion rocks central Istanbul street

Istanbul
NEWS
 — 

An explosion rocked central Istanbul on Sunday afternoon, with injuries reported in what is a popular tourist area.

The governor of Istanbul, Ali Yerlikaya, tweeted that the explosion took place on Istiklal Street in Beyoglu Square.

“Our police, health, fire and AFAD teams were sent to the scene,” he said, adding that there are deaths and injuries.

“Developments will be shared with the public,” he said.

Local media reports and images from the area show large number of emergency vehicles in the aftermath of the blast, with at least one person receiving medical attention. Some people are seen fleeing the scene in the pictures and the area is getting cordoned off by security services.

The cause of the explosion is not known and NEWS cannot independently verify whether there are any casualties.

Istiklal Street is one of the main streets leading to Taksim Square.

This is a developing story.