Deadly Car Explosion at Turkey's Border to Syria

The explosion occurred in the buffer-zone at the border gate close to the Turkish town of Reyhanli, shortly after 3 pm (GMT+2) when a car with Syrian license plates entered the Turkish side.

Hatay province governor Celalettin Lekesiz initially declared the death toll as 10 (including 5 Turkish citizens) which was later in updated to 12 by Turkey's Border Minister Hayati Yazıcı.

"5 individuals were identified as Syrian, while the remaining 7 were Turkish citizens," said Hüseyin Şanverdi, Reyhanlı district mayor.

Reyhan General Hospital officials said at least 50 were being hospitalized.

"I went to the explosion scene. The incident happened right at the Turkish border. I have seen many wounded and dead bodies. I fear the death toll might rise later," Hatay province deputy Hasan Akgül told bianet.

Adem Yeşildal, another deputy, told bianet that the police was still investigating the case which was suspected due to a car parked on the Syrian side of the border.

"Two vehicles were reportedly exploded through a remote control mechanism. While 10 people were declared dead on the Turkish side of the border, 3 people were hospitalized in Syria," Servet Mullaoğlu, a local politician said.

President Abdullah Gül was told to have contacted Hatay governor, PM and Interior Minister for further information concerning the incident. (AS/BM)

* Photo: Cem Genco - Reyhanlı / AA