Rescuers carry an injured man at the explosion site. A big explosion rocked the eastern side of Turkey's largest city of Istanbul on Thursday, injuring 14 people. (Xinhua/Reuters photo)

    ANKARA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A big explosion rocked the eastern side of Turkey's largest city of Istanbul on Thursday, injuring 14 people, the private NTV television reported.

   The explosion took place in the basement of a five-storey building in the Uskudar district of Istanbul, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.

   The explosion was caused by a fire at a shooting range, said NTV, adding that the fire was now contained by firefighters.  

   An investigation into the fire and the blast was underway, it added.

   TV footage showed that black smoke billowed out of the building and ambulances rushed to the scene.

   Istanbul has witnessed deadly attacks in the past and the Turkish authorities have blamed Kurdish rebel groups.  Enditem