6 dead, 38 injured as explosion rocks Istanbul's Istiklal Avenue pedestrian

At least six people were killed, while 38 others were injured after an explosion rocked Istanbul's popular pedestrian Istiklal Avenue on Sunday. The incident was confirmed by Turkish media. 

Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya tweeted that the explosion occurred at about 4:20 pm (1320 GMT) and that there were deaths and injuries. 

The cause of the explosion was not clear. 

A video posted online showed flames



erupting and a loud bang, as pedestrians turned and ran away.

Other footage showed ambulances, fire trucks and police at the scene. Social media users said shops were shuttered and the avenue closed down.

The avenue is a crowded thoroughfare popular with tourists and locals, lined by shops and restaurants. 

Turkey was hit by a string of deadly bombings between 2015 and 2017 by the Islamic State group and outlawed Kurdish groups.