According to official information, at least one person was killed and 20 others injured in a serious explosion in a shopping center in the South Caucasus Republic of Armenia.
The detonation happened just outside the center of the capital Yerevan, as a reporter from the German Press Agency reported at the scene.
A warehouse with fireworks was probably blown up by violating fire safety regulations.
The explosion on Sunday afternoon was massive.
According to rescue workers, there could still be people under the rubble.
Several buildings collapsed or were damaged.
A big fire broke out.
A cloud of smoke spread over the city.
Dust and debris settled over cars.
The Civil Defense Ministry announced on Sunday that at least seven people had to be hospitalized for treatment.
Many people ran away from the scene of the accident for their lives.
The former Soviet Republic of Armenia in the South Caucasus is one of the poorest countries.
Again and again there are violations of elementary safety regulations.