China News Service, August 15. According to foreign media reports, on the 14th local time, an explosion occurred in a shopping mall in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Five people have been killed and dozens injured.
Reuters quoted the Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations as saying that a fire broke out in Yerevan's "Surmaru" shopping center after an explosion.
Emergency Situations Minister Panbukhchiyan said the fire had been put out, but strong winds still posed a threat.
Search and rescue work will continue.
According to preliminary investigations, two large explosions occurred in the warehouse storing fireworks and firecrackers, causing the building to partially collapse.
Video footage showed thick smoke rising from a building and people running for their lives.
Dust and smoke filled the air as rescuers searched for survivors among twisted steel bars and rubble.