At least four people were killed in an explosion in the center of Istanbul on Sunday afternoon.
More than 35 people were also injured, the governor of the Turkish city of Ali Yerlikaya wrote on Twitter. Emergency services are on site and have cordoned off the area. The cause is not yet known, but a terrorist attack is not ruled out.
The explosion happened on Istiklal Street, a popular shopping street near Taksim Square. Photos are circulating on social media showing an enormous devastation and a cloud of smoke rising from the street. There are also several people on the ground, some in a pool of blood.
The Turkish media umbrella organization RTÜK had briefly imposed a broadcast ban on the explosion in Istanbul. It is unclear why, it may have to do with the ongoing investigation by the emergency services.