Explosion rocks Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey

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A strong explosion was heard Sunday in a busy area in the heart of Istanbul, Turkish media reported, saying that several people had been injured. 

Reports revealed that the explosion hit Istiklal Street in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey.

Ok it looks Like a Bag left on a bench and not a Suicide Bomber #Istanbul explosion #Turkey #Taksim pic.twitter.com/YkW1DIKyXi

— MARIO 🇬🇧🇦🇪🇱🇧 (@mariotradleb) November 13, 2022

Turkish media reported that police and medical personnel were deployed in huge numbers to the scene. The area has been evacuated.

Watch | An explosion on a busy pedestrian street in central #Istanbul's #Taksim area left multiple people dead, wounded and others running from the scene. pic.twitter.com/qBPXf4ZmE6

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 13, 2022

Local media outlets showed videos of ambulances and policemen heading to the site of the explosion. 

Images shared on social media at the time of the explosion indicated it could be heard from far away and that there were also flames.

A wide black crater is also visible in the images, as well as several bodies on the ground nearby.

CCTV FOOTAGE of Explosion explosion in #Istanbul iconic Istiklal street, Several injured. #Turkey pic.twitter.com/I6ZYPWC7AV

— Suresh Kumar (@journsuresh) November 13, 2022

The Turkish NTV channel reported that the explosion occurred after four o'clock in the afternoon during rush hour.

Bomb explodes in #Taksim Square, heart of busiest touristic venues in #Istanbul and #Turkey.
Authorities haven't yet disclosed casualties.

Horrifying, unacceptable, condemned by all means! pic.twitter.com/dKu6e0mzs2

— Fadi Al-Qadi (@fqadi) November 13, 2022

The area is known as the heart of tourism and is usually overcrowded. 

More updates to follow...