Bloodshed at the bus stop: At least 34 people killed and 125 injured after massive car bomb blast in Turkish capital Ankara just weeks after Kurdish attack
- Explosion struck central Kizilay square where embassies are based
- Several vehicles were destroyed or damaged in the blast
- Local sources say death toll could be much higher
- Ankara court has ordered a ban on access to Facebook and Twitter
- Takes place less than a month after car bomb that killed 29 people
- The US embassy in Ankara had warned about a potential terrorist attack
A huge explosion has hit the Turkish capital of Ankara killing 34 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.
People and policemen try to help a wounded victim after the blast
Fire-fighters extinguish a burning car after the explosion which occurred near a crowded bus station
Emergency workers work at the explosion site in Ankara's main road
Ambulances rushed to the scene of the explosion on Kizilay square, a key shopping and transport hub close to the city's embassy area
Footage from the scene showed the exact moment the bomb went off
Several vehicles were destroyed or damaged in the explosion, which took place in the Guven Park near busy Kizilay square in central Ankara
After the explosion, an Ankara court ordered a ban on access to Facebook and Twitter
Gunfire was also heard after blast, while ambulances rushed to the area, officials said
A vehicle burns after an explosion that killed 27 people and wounded 75 others in Ankara
A huge explosion has hit the Turkish capital of Ankara killing and wounding many people
The blast occurred near a bus station in central Ankara, capital of Turkey
Several vehicles had caught fire following the huge blast and emergency services were at work
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.
Earlier, the Ankara's governor office said 27 people were killed and 75 others wounded in the blast.
'The blast was caused by a vehicle packed with explosives close to Kizilay square,' it said.
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.
He spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly. An Ankara court has ordered a ban on access to Facebook and Twitter in the country after images from the explosion were shared.
Forensic officers work on the site of the suicide attack in Ankara
Pictures of the aftermath showed cars burning, charred buses and several scattered bodies
The US embassy in Ankara had warned about a potential terrorist attack with a statement on 11 March
Burnt vehicles and charred buses can be seen after the explosion in central Ankara
The Ankara's governor office said 27 people were killed and 75 others wounded in the blast. 'The blast was caused by a vehicle packed with explosives close to Kizilay square,' it said.
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
A television channel said the bomb exploded close to bus stops near a park at Ankara's main square, Kizila
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.
In the video, several cars can be seen moving past a bus in a road close to Ankara's main square, Kizilay. A massive blast can then be seen, setting nearby vehicles ablaze.
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.
A wounded person reacts near the scene of a blast in Ankara, on Kizilay square, a key hub in the city
A woman sits sobs on the sidewalk after the attack that ripped through a busy square in central Ankara
Forensic police work near burnt-out vehicles at the scene of the Ankara blast
The explosion occurred less than a month after a car bomb attack in central Ankara killed 29 people
A local reporter said the blast took place where several bus stops are located in one of Ankara's main roads
Several vehicles were destroyed or damaged in the explosion, which took place in the Guven Park in central Ankara
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.
'We advise U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings and local events, monitor local news stations for updates, and follow local authority instructions.'
Following the blast, Turkey's Broadcasting Authority issued a ban on broadcasting videos from the scene.
Turkey's Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was convening an emergency security meeting.
Prime Minister David Cameron reacted to the bombing with a statement on Twitter: 'I'm appalled by the devastating terror attacks in Ankara and the Ivory Coast. My thoughts are with all those affected.'
Foreign secretary Philip Hammond tweeted: 'My thoughts & deep condolences to everyone affected by today's #Ankara & #IvoryCoast terror attacks. Both appalling attacks on civilians.'
The explosion occurred less than a month after a car bomb attack in central Ankara killed 29 people
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3490400/Many-dead-injured-blast-Turkish-capital-Ankara-just-weeks-30-killed-car-bomb-there.html#ixzz42qo8n4Vd
