At least four people have been killed and 38 injured after an explosion on a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul, the city’s governor said.
People fled after the explosion on Istiklal Avenue in the Taksim area.
A video posted online showed flames erupting and a loud crash.
Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya tweeted: “According to initial reports, four people lost their lives and 38 were injured in the explosion that took place on Istiklal Street.
“Our wounded are being treated.
“We wish God’s mercy to those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to those injured.”
State broadcaster TRT showed videos of ambulances and police heading to the scene.
Social media users said shops were closed and the avenue closed.
The cause of the explosion was not immediately known.
Five prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the blast, state news agency Anadolu said.
Turkey’s regulator RTUK imposed a broadcast ban on coverage of the blast about an hour after it happened. It prevents broadcasters from showing videos of the moment of the explosion or its aftermath.
Image: People run away from the explosion Image: Members of the security forces are near the scene
Istiklal Avenue is a popular pedestrian thoroughfare with tourists and locals and is lined with shops and restaurants.
Turkey suffered several deadly attacks between 2015 and 2017 by the Islamic State and outlaw Kurdish groups.