Turkey twin blasts leave 30 dead

Ankara: At least 30 people were killed and 126 others were injured on Saturday when two explosions rocked a road junction in the center of the Turkish capital Ankara ahead of a peace rally.

The toll was confirmed by Turkey's interior ministry, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

The explosions occurred near the main train station of the city where Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) supporters were gathering to hold the rally to protest against the conflict between the state and outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters in southeast Turkey.

According to Dogan News Agency, the blasts took place several minutes apart, with the first going off at around 10.00 a.m. local time.

A video on social media showed the moment of one explosion, young people were dancing and waving banners as a massive fireball erupted.

The rally was organised by labor unions and a number of non-governmental organisations.

Organizers have called off the rally, calling on participants to return.

The area have been evacuated to avoid casualties in a possible third attack, police said.

The immediate cause of the blasts remain unknown however, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported that it could be a suicide bomber.

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is set to hold a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Yalcin Akdogan, government officials and security chiefs in response to the attack, Davutoglu's office said.
(With inputs from IANS)