Car Bomb in Turkey’s Capital Kills at Least 27, Wounds 75
Car Bomb in Turkey’s Capital Kills at Least 27, Wounds 75
ANKARA, Turkey — A car bomb went off near bus stops in the heart of Turkey’s capital on Sunday, killing at least 27 people and wounded around 75 others, officials said.
The blast occurred on the city’s main boulevard, Ataturk Bulvari, close to Ankara’s main square, Kizilay, and a park.
The private NTV news channel said a car, believed to be laden with explosives, detonated close to a bus. Several vehicles then caught fire, it said. The area is close to government offices, including ministries. Riot police buses are usually stationed in the area, but didn’t appear to be the target of the attack.
Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu convened an emergency security meeting after the bombing, which also shattered the windows of shops that line the boulevard and the square.
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.”
Police sealed off the area and pushed onlookers and journalists back, warning there could be a second bomb. Forensic teams were examining the scene.READ MORE
