Explosion at Fireworks Storage in Armenia... 3 Dead

Rescue workers are conducting rescue operations following an explosion at a fireworks storage facility in Surmalu Market, Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] On the afternoon of the 14th (local time), an explosion occurred at a fireworks storage facility inside the Surmalu Market in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, resulting in at least three deaths and dozens of injuries, according to AP News and others.

The Armenian disaster authority, the Emergency Situations Department, stated in a press release, "The explosion caused a fire," adding, "Three people have died, and more than 40 have been injured and hospitalized." The department also revealed the names of 25 people who might be trapped under the rubble of buildings near the fire site, which collapsed due to the explosion.

Russian media, citing Armenian officials, reported that over 60 people were injured.

Fire authorities deployed about 200 firefighters and medical personnel to the scene, but faced difficulties extinguishing the fire due to the fireworks detonating in succession and strong winds. Excavators are currently being used to search for survivors.

The fire reportedly engulfed the entire city in smoke.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Local media, citing eyewitnesses, reported that the explosion started at the fireworks storage area.