Explosion Shakes Taksim, Kills 5
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An explosion occurred on Balo street of İstiklal street in Beyoğlu district of İstanbul at around 11:10 a.m., which is one of the most populous and touristic areas of the city.
Bomb squad and crime investigation teams have been referred to the scene.
The wounded have been taken to Haseki Hospital, in-and-out to the street has been barred.
İstanbul Governor Vasip Şahin in his statement at around 12:15 p.m. said that a suicide bomb attack took place in front of Beyoğlu sub-Governorship building. He stated that five people of whom one was the suicide bomber killed, 20 people of whom two were heavily injured in the attack.
The number of injured later has been announced as 36 by Minister of Health, Mehmet Müezzinoğlu.
Broadcast ban
Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has imposed broadcast ban as to the explosion.
State-run Anadolu Agency has stated that the temporary ban involves live broadcast ban covering the scene, footage of the moment and right afterwards of the incident and bodies.
Scene of explosion
Balo street is located between Taksim Square and Galatasary square leading to İstiklal street. It is crowded at any hour of the day. Balo street is the 5th street on the right from Taksim square entrance of İstiklal street. There are shops and cafes on the street. Governor Şahin said the explosion occurred in front of Beyoğlu sub-Governorship located here.
Saturday Mothers/People were gathering in protest of the case of those who went missing in custody at Galatasaray Square close to the street every Saturday at 12 p.m. They would hold 572nd weekly vigil, however, it was cancelled because of the explosion.
The scene of explosion is close to Nevizade where there is fish market and pubs. It is close to Galatasaray High School which is a rendezvous point for İstanbulites.
St. Antoine Church, and Embassies of the Netherlands and Russia are also on the İstiklal street.
The Governorship had found the warnings "unserious"
Upon the warning on Thursday (March 17) that there is going to be a bomb attack in İstanbul, Germany missions and German High School was closed.
İstanbul Governorship had issued the following statement following the closures:
"It is known to our public that such news or messages are being deliberately spread by terror organization members to disturb peace and security of our country. Besides, it is understood that our well-intended citizens become an instrument to spread of such ill-intended news on social media.
"It is seen within this frame that some foreign countries' representation offices try to develop measures based on 'rumors begging for confirmation', and without contacting authorized institutions.
"We declare with due respect that our citizens shall not take in consideration of unserious news and rumors whose sources and intentions are doubtful".
Fourth bomb attack in the last six months
A bomb attack has been launched in Kızılay downtown of capital Ankara, claiming lives of 37.
Of the three explosions, one took place at peace rally on October 10, 2015, and the other on Merasim street against military vehicles on February 17, 2016.
100 people died in the attack against peace rally, and 28 people died in attack on Merasim street. (BK/YY/TK)