At least 6 people have died after an explosion in a popular location of central Istanbul, according to the city’s governor.
53 people were allegedly injured in the blast.
A video posted online showed flames erupting and a loud bang, as pedestrians turned and ran away.
Other footage showed ambulances, fire trucks and police at the scene. Social media users said shops were shuttered and the avenue closed down.
Broadcaster CNN Turk, in an early report, said 11 people were injured. The avenue is a crowded thoroughfare popular with tourists and locals, lined by shops and restaurants.
The city’s emergency personnel were spotted hurrying to the Taksim neighbourhood.
The governor of Istanbul, Ali Yerlikaya, said the explosion occurred on Istiklal Street around 16:20 local time (13:20 GMT). In a Twitter post, he mentioned “casualties and injuries,” but provided no further details.
