Bahraini family narrates ordeal during Istanbul blast

Manama: A Bahraini family, which had witnessed the bomb explosion in Istanbul yesterday, has shared their appalling ordeal with DT News.

The Bahrainis, who had come to Turkey as tourists, were residing in a hotel located near the area when the suicide blast occurred. The four-member family was shocked to hear the screams that ensued the bombing. The blast had claimed the lives of at least six people and left 36 others injured.

One of the family members told DT News that they had come to Istanbul thinking that the city would be safer compared to other parts of Turkey.

“I was told that bombings were taking place only in Ankara (the Capital of Turkey), and that Istanbul was very safe. We could hear people screaming and were shocked to learn that a bomb was detonated near the hotel we were staying,” she said on condition of anonymity.

“We arrived in Istanbul on Thursday, and our plan was to stay in the city for five days. (I) am not sure, but I believe we might change the plan and return to Bahrain,” she added. “Safety is a priority for us, as we are here (in Turkey) with my two children. We came to have fun, not to be filled with fears over our own lives,” she concluded.