A robust explosion at a fireworks storage space has torn by means of a well-liked market in Armenia's capital, killing at the very least one particular person, injuring 36 others and setting off a big fireplace.
Greater than three hours after the blast yesterday afternoon (yesterday night AEST) on the Surmalu market, firefighters laboured to place out the blaze that despatched a towering column of smoke over the centre of Yerevan.
Rescue staff and volunteers in civilian garments looked for victims who is likely to be trapped beneath slabs of concrete and twisted steel.
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 seemed to be unconscious.
Emergencies Minister Armen Pambukhchyan stated two sisters had been pulled alive from the rubble.
Fireworks continued to blow up because the firemen and rescuers labored amid thick smoke.
The market, about two kilometres south of metropolis centre, is fashionable for its low costs and number of items.
There was no instant phrase on what brought on the fireworks to ignite.
A spokesman for the Emergency Providers Ministry, Aik Kostanyan, stated the casualty toll stood at one particular person killed and 36 injured, however it was not clear if anybody remained beneath the rubble.
The Well being Ministry stated 26 individuals had been taken to the hospital; 11 of them are minors.