ISTANBUL (AP) – A bomb exploded on a major pedestrian avenue in the heart of Istanbul on Sunday, killing six people, wounding dozens and sending people fleeing as flames rose.
Footage posted online showed ambulances, fire trucks and police at the scene on Istiklal Avenue, a popular thoroughfare lined with shops and restaurants that leads to the iconic Taksim Square. In one video, a loud bang could be heard and flames seen as pedestrians turned and ran away.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the blast a “treacherous attack” and said its perpetrators would be punished.
In addition to the six people killed, Istanbul Gov. Ali Yerlikaya tweeted that another 53 were wounded – casualty counts that Erdogan also gave.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 13: Emergency personnel investigate the scene after an explosion occurred on Istiklal street, a busy pedestrian…
