Fireworks explosion in Yerevan market: 2 killed, 60 injured

A strong explosion at a fireworks warehouse on Sunday tore up a popular market in Armenia’s capital, killing at least two people, injuring 60 others and starting a large fire

YEREVAN, Armenia — A strong explosion at a fireworks warehouse on Sunday tore up a popular market in Armenia’s capital, killing at least two people, injuring 60 others and starting a large fire.

Firefighters worked late into the night after the early afternoon explosion in Surmalu Market to extinguish the blaze that sent a towering thick column of smoke over Yerevan’s center. Rescuers and volunteers searched for victims who may have been trapped under slabs of concrete and twisted metal amid fireworks still exploding.

Emergency Situations Minister Armen Pambukhchyan said the ministry has received 20 reports of people saying they could not find their relatives after the blast. Ten injured and one dead victim were recovered from the rubble, the health ministry said, which also listed the victim’s toll.

An Associated Press reporter at the scene saw two people being pulled from the rubble: a woman with an injured leg and a young man who appeared to be unconscious.

Located 2 kilometers (over a mile) south of the city center, the market is popular for its low prices and variety of goods.

The cause of the fireworks was not immediately known.