Explosion in Taksim İstanbul… An explosion occurred at 16:13 on Istiklal Street in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. A large number of health and police teams were sent to the region.
While the sound of the explosion could be heard even in districts such as Beşiktaş and Şişli, it was seen that citizens walking on the street fled.
Istiklal Street was closed to entrances and exits by the police. Those on the street at the time of the explosion were evacuated from the area.
Explosion in Taksim: Governor’s Office Made a Statement
Windows of many shops on the street were smashed. Citizens shocked by the impact of the explosion took refuge in the surrounding shops.
Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said, “Today, at around 16.20, an explosion occurred in Taksim Istiklal Street in our Beyoğlu district. Our police, health, fire and AFAD teams were dispatched to the scene. There are casualties and injuries. The developments will be shared with the public.” said.
Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said, “According to the first reports, 4 people lost their lives and 38 people were injured in the explosion that took place on Istiklal Street. Our wounded are being treated. We wish God’s mercy on those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to the injured. The developments will be shared with the public.”
It was learned that at least 15 injured were brought to Taksim İlkyardım Hospital.
Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, said, “It is essential to help our Security and Health teams and to stay away from posts that may cause fear and panic. We will provide healthy information to all relevant teams in the region,” he said.
Explosion in İstiklal Street
An investigation was launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office due to the explosion in the square of Istiklal Street.
5 Public Prosecutors were assigned to the investigation. In addition, a broadcast ban was issued by the Istanbul Criminal Court of Peace for all visual and audio news and social networking sites related to the explosion.
In the statement made by the Radio and Television Supreme Council, “A broadcast ban has been imposed regarding the explosion in Istanbul. It is brought to the attention of all our media organizations,” it said.
Explosion in Taksim: Erdoğan: 6 people died
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said in a statement about the attack, “Our teams continue their work. Those who want to take over Turkey with terrorism will not succeed. According to the latest information we have received, 6 people lost their lives and 53 were injured.
“It might be wrong if we say for sure that this is terrorism, but the first developments, the first information my governor conveyed to us, there is a smell of terror here. Escaping there and they found that a woman was playing a role there. The necessary investigation is ongoing, and then the final decision will be made.”
