At least 4 killed, 38 wounded in Istanbul explosion

An explosion on one of Istanbul’s most popular pedestrian thoroughfares kills four people and injures 38, authorities say.

The cause of the blast on Istiklal Avenue is not immediately clear. Five prosecutors were assigned to investigate the explosion, state-run Anadolu news agency says.

A video posted online shows flames erupting and a loud bang, as pedestrians turn and run away. Other footage shows ambulances, fire trucks and police at the scene. Social media users say shops are shuttered and the avenue closed down.

Turkey’s media watchdog imposed a temporary ban on reporting on the explosion — a move that prevents broadcasters from showing videos of the moment of the blast or its aftermath.

Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya tweets the death toll and said those hurt are being treated.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry says it does not currently know of any Israelis in Istanbul who are unreachable.