An explosion rocked a fireworks warehouse in a shopping mall in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, on Sunday. Five people were killed and more than 60 injured in the blast. On Monday, the Russian news agency Tas reported the information citing the Ministry of Emergencies of Armenia.
According to the news agency Reuters, rescue workers have maintained efforts to rescue survivors from the scene. Pedestrians also helped the victims to safe areas.
Earlier on Sunday, the Interfax news agency reported, citing the Ministry of Emergencies of Armenia, that the body of a third person had been recovered. Officials had earlier reported two deaths.
Two more deaths were reported on Monday.
The country’s Emergencies Minister Armen Pambukhchian was quoted by the Armenia News Agency as saying that the fire had been extinguished. But strong winds still pose a threat. Rescue teams will continue to search for survivors throughout the night.
The Ministry of Emergencies said that preliminary investigation showed that part of a building collapsed due to the explosion of two large firecrackers.
Armenia’s Ministry of Health said 61 people were injured. Some of them have been treated in hospital.
It was not immediately known what caused the fireworks to explode.
(August 15)