Istanbul bomb blast kills at least 11, injures 36
At least 11 people have been killed and 36 others injured after a bomb attack on a police vehicle, Istanbul’s governor has said. The deadly explosion ripped through central Istanbul near a university and tourist sites during the morning rush hour.
“Seven law enforcers and four civilians have died in the attack,” Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin told reporters. “Thirty-six people have been injured, three are in critical condition.”
A parked car stuffed with explosives was detonated by remote control as the police bus drove by, according to CNN Turk.
Citing a police source, Turkish broadcaster NTV reported that some 14 people have been injured in the attack, eight law enforcers among them. Media said the explosion took place as a police vehicle was passing the area.
“There is no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack,” Turkish journalist Pinar Obabasi told RT, adding that the blast caused “a lot of damage.”
photo/ Gerd Altmann via pixabay
“Police are investigating the crime scene, with a security corridor set up,” she added.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pointed to the involvement of Kurdish militants.
Erdogan said: “These (attacks) are being carried out against people whose duty it is to ensure the security of our people.”
“These cannot be pardoned or forgiven. We shall continue our fight against terrorists tirelessly until the end.”
Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, said the attackers were “cold-heartedly” for exploding bombs on the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which is in its second day.
Turkish media said four people had been arrested but gave no details.
An Istanbul court has imposed a temporary ban on coverage of a number of details regarding the bomb attack, TASS reported, citing a statement from Turkey’s Supreme Council for Radio and Television.
The ban has been introduced in order to “maintain public order, protect territorial integrity and prevent crime.”
It concerns coverage of the ongoing investigation, footage showing the victims and those injured, police transcripts of talks, and demonstration of materials related to the suspects. The ruling covers all Turkish media. Similar measures were taken during previous terrorist attacks in Turkey.
A fresh wave of explosions has hit Turkish cities in recent months, including major urban areas.
