Istanbul explosion: At least one dead in Turkey blast, cause unknown – governor, media

A strong explosion in the centre of a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul on Sunday left at least one dead and other people wounded and running from the scene of the fiery blast, according to the local governor, published videos and Turkish media.

State broadcaster TRT and other media showed ambulances and police heading to the scene on Istanbul's popular Istiklal shopping street in the Beyoglu district.

State-owned news agency Anadolu said the cause of the blast was not yet known.

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

The cause of which was unknown. It occurred shortly after 4pm (1300 GMT).

The NTV television channel reported that there were "at least five to 10 injured".

The area has been evacuated.

Images shared on social media at the time of the explosion indicated it could be heard from far away and that there were also flames.

A wide black crater is also visible on the images as well as several bodies on the ground nearby.

Istiklal avenue was affected during a series of attacks targeting Istanbul in 2015 and 2016 claimed by the Islamic State group.

(AFP, Reuters)