1st LD: Explosion hits central Istanbul, 5 deaths reported

An explosion rocked Istanbul's bustling Istiklal Street on Saturday, causing at least five deaths and 20 injuries.

The cause of the explosion is not announced yet, but CNNTurk said it is a suicide bombing attack.

Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin confirmed the casualties on the scene, noting that the attacker is among the dead.

The police have cordoned off and evacuated the entire street, and all shops were closed.

Bomb disposal units are on the scene looking for another bomb, while helicopters were flying overhead, Turkish media said.

One man was walking on the street when he heard the blast and saw people around starting to run away.

"It was a very big one," he said. "I saw some injured. One tourist was injured, we asked for ambulance."

Germany on Thursday closed its embassy, consulate general and a high school in Turkey, citing security threat. Endit