Turkey: Authorities determine car explosion in Istanbul's Fatih district early Nov. 16 to be accidental; no connection with terrorism /update 1

Event

Authorities in Istanbul have determined that a car explosion that occurred in the city's Fatih district shortly after midnight on Nov. 16 was accidental and had no connection with terrorism. According to investigators, the automobile caught fire and subsequently exploded due to unspecified "technical issues," with the flames spreading to four nearby vehicles, as well as an adjacent building. The incident occurred on Koca Mustafapasa Avenue.

Firefighters have extinguished the fire. Localized traffic disruptions are likely into the early morning hours of Nov. 16.

Advice

Avoid the scene of the incident until responders have given the all-clear and vacated the area. Plan accordingly for traffic disruptions along Koca Mustafapasa Avenue into at least the morning commute of Nov. 16.