ISTANBUL: A bomb exploded on a popular pedestrian street in Istanbul, killing six people, wounding dozens and sending people fleeing as flames rose. Footage posted online showed ambulances, fire trucks and police at scene on on Istiklal Avenue, a typically crowded thoroughfare popular with tourists and locals and lined with shops and restaurants. In one video, a loud bang could be heard and flames could be seen, as pedestrians turned and ran away.

Social media users said shops were shuttered and avenue closed down. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called blast a “treacherous attack” and said its perpetrators would be punished. In addition to six dead, Erdogan said another 53 were wounded, according to information he received from Istanbul Governor.

Turkey was hit by a string of deadly bombings between 2015 and 2017 by Islamic State group and outlawed Kurdish groups. Five prosecutors were assigned to investigate blast, state-run Anadolu news agency reported.

Turkey’s media watchdog imposed temporary restrictions on reporting on explosion a move that bans use of close-up videos and photos of blast and its aftermath. Supreme Council of Radio and Television has imposed similar bans in past, following attacks and accidents.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 14 2022

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