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VDO & PICS: Ankara Blast Victims Rise to at least 161, Moment of Blast

Mon Mar 14, 2016 11:01:55

A huge explosion has hit the Turkish capital of Ankara killing 37 people and wounding at least 125 others. Several vehicles were destroyed or damaged in the explosion, which took place in the Guven Park near busy Kizilay square in central Ankara.

Gunfire was also heard after blast, while ambulances rushed to the area, officials said.

Turkey's health minister said 30 people were killed on the scene, including two suicide bombers, and four others died at hospital. Another 125 people were being treated in hospital, including 19 in critical conditions and seven currently undergoing surgery.

Interior Minister Efkan Ala said the attack, which came as Turkey prepared to launch large-scale military operations against Kurdish militants in two towns, wouldn't deter the country from its fight against terrorism.

A local reporter said the blast took place where several bus stops are located in one of Ankara's main roads.

The Kizilay neighbourhood is a key commercial and transport hub close to a number of government agencies, embassies and parliamentary buildings.

NTV television said the explosion occurred as a car slammed into a bus, suggesting that the blast may have been caused by a car bomb.

'The blast was caused by a vehicle packed with explosives close to Kizilay square.

However, a local media analyst told MailOnline the death toll could be considerably higher as hospital sources reported that at least 138 bodies have been recovered.

An Ankara court has ordered a ban on access to Facebook and Twitter in the country after images from the explosion were shared.

Smoke could be seen rising above the area from a distance 2.5 km away. Dramatic CCTV footage appeared to show the moment a huge car bomb went off.

Medical sources said the wounded had been taken to 10 different hospitals around the city, with a dozen said to be in a very serious condition.

Dogan Asik, 28, said he was on a packed bus when the explosion occurred.

'There were about 40 people,' said Asik, who sustained injuries on his face and arm. 'It (the bus) slowed down. A car went by us, and `boom' it exploded.'

One senior security official told Reuters initial findings suggested the attack had been carried out by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) or an affiliated militant group, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The explosion occurred less than a month after a car bomb attack in central Ankara killed 29 people. Kurdish militants claimed responsibility for that attack.

The US embassy in Ankara issued a warned about a potential terrorist attack on 11 March.

The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that there is information regarding a potential terrorist plot to attack Turkish government buildings and housing located in the Bahcelievler area of Ankara. U.S. citizens should avoid this area,' it said.