Death Toll From Istanbul Explosion Reaches 4, 20 Injured

The death toll from Saturday's explosion in central Istanbul has reached 4, while 20 people were wounded, local authorities said.

ANKARA (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, an explosion occurred at the central Istikal street, which is one of the major tourist attractions in Istanbul. The police and the ambulance cars are at the scene, the area has been cordoned off.

#Turkey: reports of explosion on Istiklal in Taksim. It appears some people are wounded but few details. #Istanbul pic.twitter.com/o0TMi4nekH

— Lucy Kafanov (@LucyKafanov) 19 марта 2016 г.

According to earlier reports, two people were dead and seven injured.

Son Dakika!! #Taksim İstiklal Caddesi Demirören AVM önünde patlama. Çok Sayıda Yaralı Var pic.twitter.com/67AsX1sKhw

— Şükrü SEZER #VATAN (@istanbuldirenis) 19 марта 2016 г.

"The explosion occurred in front of the building of Beyoglu district. Most likely, it was carried out by a suicide bomber. Four people have been killed, 20 injured, three people are in serious condition," Governor of Istanbul Vasip Sahin told reporters.

Istanbul's istiqlal street being sealed off. Ambulances here. Witness told me he heard explosion, say a body pic.twitter.com/gWDb307xer

— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) 19 марта 2016 г.