UPDATE 3 - 28 dead in Istanbul terror attack

UPDATES WITH CITY GOVERNOR’S COMMENT

ISTANBUL (AA) – Nearly 30 people were killed and 60 others injured in a terror attack on Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport, Gov. Vasip Sahin said early Wednesday.

“According to initial report, at least 28 people were killed by three suicide bombers in the attack,” Sahin said.

He said that around 60 injured people were transferred to several hospitals where they are being treated.

“Entry and exit of passengers will be returned to normal rapidly and scheduled flights will be started as soon as possible,” he added.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said an attacker opened fire using an AK-47 assault rifle at the international terminal before detonating a suicide bomb.

Bozdag said preliminary findings pointed to a terrorist group as responsible -- information he said needed further confirmation.

Separately, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the terror attack with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Hulusi Akar, Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, at the Presidential Palace, according to presidential sources.

Police and medical teams are at the scene and access to and from the airport has been blocked.

Yildirim was briefed by Interior Minister Efkan Ala and Sahin and has ordered the formation of a crisis desk.

Huseyin Tombul, who witnessed that attack, said the explosion occurred while he was waiting at the airport’s arrivals Gate A.

He said after the explosion they were sheltered at the garage. "A second explosion happened at the Gate B. Four of my friends lost their lives. There are lots of wounded," he added.

*Anadolu Agency correspondent Hatice Kesgin and Handan Kazanci contributed to this report.