An explosion on a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul has left people dead and injured, the city’s governor said.
People fled after the explosion on Istiklal Avenue in Taksim district.
Video posted online showed flames erupting and a loud bang.
Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said there were deaths and injuries as a result of the blast, but did not say how many.
Mr Yerlikaya tweeted: “Today around 4:20 p.m. an explosion occurred in Taksim Istiklal Street in our district of Beyoğlu. Our police, health, fire and AFAD teams were sent to places.
“There are casualties and injuries. Developments will be shared with the public.”
Public broadcaster TRT broadcast videos of ambulances and police arriving at the scene.
State-run Anadolu Agency said the cause of the blast was not yet known.
Social media users said shops had been closed and the avenue had been closed.
Broadcaster CNN Turk said 11 people were injured.
People run away from the explosion
Istiklal Avenue is a pedestrian thoroughfare popular with tourists and locals alike and is lined with shops and restaurants.
Turkey suffered several deadly bomb attacks between 2015 and 2017 by the Islamic State and banned Kurdish groups.
