Four things to know about the Sultanahmet explosion

ISTANBUL

DHA photo

1. When and where did the explosion in Sultanahmet occur?


The explosion occurred around 10:20 a.m. in Sultanahmet Square near the Obelisk of Theodosius. The explosion was also heard in many districts of Istanbul.


2. What happened in the aftermath of the explosion?


According to the Istanbul Governor’s Office, 10 people were killed and 15 were injured and a number of ambulances, fire trucks and police vehicles were deployed to the scene. The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals.


3. Is it a suicide attack?


There have been claims that an alleged Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) bomber blew himself/herself among a tourist group while the authorities refuted those claims. Security measures have been taken to prevent a possible second bomb attack, private broadcaster NTV has reported.


4. Is there an attack on the police?


A police car overturned near the site of the explosion. However, it has later been revealed that it was a car accident.