Explosions in Armenia's Yerevan claim 6, injure 61

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Explosions at a fireworks warehouse in Yerevan have claimed the lives of at least 6 people, injuring dozens more. 

On Sunday, video footage from the Surmalu market showed plumes of grey smoke floating over a building as people hurriedly back away from the scene. 

Armenian rescue workers looked through deformed metal and rubble searching for survivors, while bystanders helped victims move to safety. 

“Fireworks, fireworks — everything shattered in one minute,” said one witness. “People could not get out of the stores.”

Armenian Red Cross Disaster Response, First aid and psychologist’s teams support rescue operations after explosion and fire in Surmalu market, Yerevan. pic.twitter.com/avB3kM8dIE

— Armenian Red Cross (@RedCrossArmenia) August 14, 2022

The Ministry of Emergency Situations issued a statement revealing that preliminary information indicated that two large explosions had partially brought down a building containing fireworks, igniting a fire. However, it did not mention how the fireworks were detonated. 

The ministry has recently updated the statement, revealing "There are six deaths. Two of the victims have not been identified."

According to the update, the blast left 61 people injured and 16 missing.

Armen Panbukhchyan, the minister of emergency situations, as quoted by Sputnik Armenia, said the fire had been extinguished, however, the wind can be a risk factor. He said rescue teams will continue to search for survivors throughout the night. 

The Yerevan mayor's office said it was unclear how many remained trapped under the rubble.

“It’s been an utter shock”, said Maria Titizan, a Yerevan-based journalist. “This is the first time in my memory that such an explosion, such a tragedy has happened in the capital city.

“Everybody is glued to the news and social media to find out what’s happening.”