Istanbul, November 13: Turkish media on Sunday reported that an explosion on Istanbul's popular pedestrian Istiklal Avenue has injured a number of people. A video posted online showed flames erupting and a loud bang, as pedestrians turned and ran away. Istanbul Blast Video: 11 Injured After Explosion On Popular Pedestrian Istiklal Avenue in Turkey.

Other footage showed ambulances, fire trucks and police at the scene. The cause of the explosion was not clear. Social media users said shops were shuttered and the avenue closed down. Istanbul Blast: Explosion Hits Taksim Square, Casualties Reported (Watch Video).

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Broadcaster CNN Turk said 11 people were injured. The avenue is a crowded thoroughfare popular with tourists and locals, lined by shops and restaurants. The explosion occurred at about 4:20 p.m. (1330 GMT).

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)