2 Explosions & Gunfire Rock Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport – Developing Story
Local media in Istanbul, Turkey are reporting that 2 explosions and gunfire have rocked Ataturk Airport in Istanbul killing at least 10 people.
Total passengers going through the airport in 2015 was 61 million, making it one of the busiest airport’s in the world.
We can’t verify this tweet but reporters are sharing it as a depiction of the explosion’s impact.
Saldırının olduğu Atatürk Havalimanından fotoğraflar pic.twitter.com/M9PbPiaIKC
— erdem (@errdemglr) June 28, 2016
The Turkish Minister for Justice told reporters the suspected fired shots at the entrance to the International Terminal before detonating themselves.
This video taken from a clothes shop in the airport captures the panic.
Instagram video from Istanbul Ataturk Airport captures the panic https://t.co/sMkjQXQRy6 pic.twitter.com/Re4JPLu9va
— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) June 28, 2016
Turkish newspapers report that air traffic is suspended in Istanbul Ataturk Airport. However, looking at FlightRadar, it appears planes are still landing and departing from Attaturk airport.
Scenes from local TV of people fleeing the scene.
#SONDAKİKA!
Atatürk Havalimanı’nda patlama… Yaralılar var…
İşte ilk görüntülerhttps://t.co/NPG6labTAh— Habertürk TV (@HaberturkTV) June 28, 2016
Officials from the Interior Ministry have told press locally that they fired at suspects at the international terminal’s entry, before security check, and that 2 suspects blew themselves up. They claim that suspects detonated the explosives before passing the x-ray machine and security check in Istanbul Ataturk Airport entrance.
The Turkish government has imposed a broadcast ban on coverage of the attack.
Broadcast ban imposed on coverage of #Ataturk Airport attack. #Turkey @pzf
— Reihaneh Mazaheri (@ReyMazaheri) June 28, 2016
It’s late in Dubai but already people are sharing their sympathies for the victims of yet another terrible tragedy.
Sad news from #Turkey – heard it’s a beautiful place. And now falling victim to terrorism. Thoughts and good vibes to the people out there..
— Mahwash Ajaz (@mahwashajaz_) June 28, 2016
Others have shared their concerns. These fears are what those who spread hate want people to feel.
This what I fear when having to travel abroad. I hope it doesn’t happen to dubai. https://t.co/wAGo7GUW5t
— keletso (@klpchoma) June 28, 2016
We’ll continue to update this as we learn more.