Huge explosion after fireworks store ignites near popular street market

The Armenian capital was rocked this afternoon (Image: Vahram Baghdasaryan)

An enormous explosion has ripped by means of a market within the Armenian capital, killing not less than two folks and injuring 60 extra.

The blast from a fireworks storage space sparked a big fireplace within the centre of Yerevan, which firefighters battled for greater than three hours this afternoon.

Rescue staff and native helpers have been seen looking for any victims who might need been trapped underneath slabs of concrete and twisted steel.

The well being ministry confirmed earlier that 26 folks, together with 11 youngsters, had been taken to hospital. Nevertheless that replace got here when the entire variety of injured was 24 fewer.

The Surmalu market was devastated by the explosion, which despatched residents fleeing for security and a towering column of smoke excessive into the sky.

A reporter with the Related Press information company mentioned they noticed two folks pulled from the rubble – a lady with an injured leg and a younger man who seemed to be unconscious.

Emergencies minister Armen Pambukhchyan added that two sisters had been pulled alive from the wreckage.

Thick smoke rises from Surmalu market earlier (Image: AP)

Not less than two have been killed (Image: Reuters)

Greater than 60 folks have been injured (Image: Reuters)

Rescuers carried away a few of the wounded (Image: Reuters)

Firefighters carry a wounded lady by means of the devastation (Image: AP)

Not less than 11 youngsters are in hospital (Image: AP)

Individuals assist firefighters to ship water to extinguish flames (Image: AP)

Fireworks continued to blow up after the preliminary blast (Image: AP)

Fireworks continued to blow up because the rescuers labored by means of thick smoke.

The market, about two kilometres south of town centre, is in style for its low costs and number of items.

There was no instant affirmation of what set the fireworks off.