A minimum of one individual was killed in a large explosion at a fireworks storage space in Armenia's capital metropolis of Yerevan on Sunday, authorities mentioned. The blast, which was captured in video recordings which have since been shared extensively on-line, injured at the least 51 others because it hit an out of doors market adjoining to the storage facility, inflicting buildings to break down and setting off a big hearth.
Firefighters labored for hours after the early afternoon blast on the Surmalu market to place out the blaze that despatched a towering column of thick smoke over the middle of Yerevan. Rescue staff and volunteers searched amid still-exploding fireworks for victims who is likely to be trapped below slabs of concrete and twisted metallic.
Armenia's nationwide well being ministry gave the casualty toll.
An Related Press reporter on the scene noticed two individuals pulled from the rubble — a lady with an injured leg, and a younger man who gave the impression to be unconscious. Emergencies Minister Armen Pambukhchyan additionally mentioned two sisters have been pulled alive from the rubble.
The market, situated simply over a mile south of the town middle, is fashionable for its low costs and number of items.
There was no rapid phrase on what induced the fireworks to ignite.