China News Service, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) According to a comprehensive report, at 4 pm local time on the 13th, an explosion occurred in Istiklal Street in the center of Istanbul, Turkey's largest city.
The BBC quoted Turkish official sources as saying that at least six people were killed and 81 injured in the accident.
Image source: Screenshot of the Associated Press report.
It is reported that near the explosion site is a shopping mall.
Comprehensive social media videos and pictures show that when the explosion occurred, a huge explosion accompanied by a fireball instantly flooded the crowded streets. Many people were frightened and fled around, and many people fell to the ground.
Turkish authorities cordoned off the area around the blast site, and ambulances and police have arrived to carry out rescue work.
The exact cause of the explosion is not yet known.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a televised news conference that Turkish authorities were working to identify the perpetrators of the "despicable attack".
Erdogan stressed that those who carried out the attack must be punished.
According to CNN, Turkish Vice President Oktay said, "We think this is an act of terrorism", and a female attacker is suspected of detonating the bomb.
Turkish Attorney General Bozda also said surveillance video showed a woman sitting on a bench for more than 40 minutes, then stood up a minute or two before the explosion, leaving behind what looked like a bag or plastic bag.
He pointed out, "There are two possibilities. Either there is a device in the bag or plastic bag and it will explode on its own, or someone will detonate it from a distance. All of these are currently under investigation." All recordings and data from the woman are being analysed.
The embassy in Turkey and the consulate general in Istanbul remind Chinese citizens in Turkey to strengthen safety precautions
The Chinese Consulate General in Istanbul announced that an explosion occurred on Istiklal Street in Taksim Square in the center of Istanbul on the afternoon of November 13, and there were no reports of casualties among Chinese citizens. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
The Chinese Embassy in Turkey and the Consulate General in Istanbul remind Chinese citizens in Turkey to be more vigilant, strengthen security precautions, minimize unnecessary going out, and avoid going to crowded places.
In case of emergency, please call the police and contact the embassy or consulate as soon as possible.
Turkey police call: 155;
Global call hotline of the Consular Protection Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 0086-10-12308/0086-10-59913991;
Consular assistance telephone of the Chinese Embassy in Turkey: 0090-538-8215530;
Consular protection assistance telephone number of the Consulate General in Istanbul: 0090-531-3389459.