The disaster unfolded at a major wholesale hub in Yerevan when a powerful explosion rocked the Surmalu area, a market district known for its bustling trade activity. Officials from Armenia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations provided a detailed account on Tuesday, confirming a significant loss of life and outlining the ongoing rescue and firefighting operations. In their official briefing, the ministry stated that the death toll had reached 15, with authorities actively identifying nine of the victims. Among those awaiting identification, one is confirmed to be a child, underscoring the human toll of the event and the challenge of rapid casualty recognition in the chaotic aftermath.
Rescue teams and firefighters remained on the scene through the day, working under difficult conditions to locate survivors, locate hidden pockets of danger, and secure the area to prevent further harm. The ministry noted that 60 individuals were transported to nearby medical facilities for urgent assessment and treatment. Of those, a portion continued to receive care in the capital city, while some patients were stabilized and discharged once their conditions allowed. In total, 18 people were reported missing at the time of the briefing, including nationals from neighboring regions and foreign visitors, highlighting the international dimension of the incident and the need for coordinated search efforts.
According to the National Crisis Management Center, the explosion originated around 13:20 local time on Sunday, a timing that coincided with peak activity in the wholesale market. The blast caused extensive damage inside the Surmalu market complex, triggering fires and structural instability in several nearby buildings. Fire suppression operations proceeded alongside search and rescue work as responders battled flames and navigated the hazard zone to extract those who might still be trapped. The scene required careful management of debris, hazardous materials, and collapsing structures, with first responders prioritizing the safety of both victims and team members.
Eyewitnesses described a sudden, deafening blast that sent smoke and debris into the surrounding streets. Television footage aired by local authorities captured the scale of the destruction, showing charred storefronts, shattered glass, and collapsed roofing elements. Emergency crews established a triage area to assess injured individuals and direct them to medical facilities best equipped to provide urgent care. The response involved a broad coalition of local services, including firefighters, police, emergency medical teams, and crisis management personnel, all working in concert to manage the evolving situation.
As the investigation into the causes continues, officials emphasized that the priority remains saving lives, stabilizing patients, and coordinating with international partners for any needed assistance. The ministry urged the public to remain away from the affected zone to ensure access for emergency teams and to avoid any actions that could complicate rescue efforts. While the immediate focus centers on medical care and safety, authorities have indicated that a thorough inquiry will follow to determine the origin of the blaze, the structural integrity of the market complex, and the sequence of events leading up to the explosion.
Crisis management centers maintained a visible presence across the response, providing regular updates to the public and coordinating with hospital facilities to track patient status, distribution, and capacity. The event has sent a shock through the capital’s commercial districts, prompting nearby vendors and residents to reassess safety protocols and emergency preparedness. Local authorities appealed for patience as teams continue to conduct rescue missions, clear debris, and restore order in the aftermath.
In the days ahead, the focus will include a detailed casualty verification process, the identification of the remaining missing persons, and a comprehensive assessment of how the market’s layout and storage practices may have influenced the scale of the incident. Officials also highlighted the importance of international cooperation, noting that foreign nationals among those affected may require consular assistance and documentation to facilitate medical care and any necessary repatriation.
The Surmalu disaster has prompted discussions about urban safety in crowded marketplaces, the need for stringent storage and hazard controls, and the effectiveness of rapid-response protocols in metropolitan settings. Authorities remain committed to transparency, sharing verified numbers and timeline updates as they become available, while emphasizing that the safety and well-being of residents and visitors remains the top priority. Emergency Situations Ministry and the National Crisis Management Center, with ongoing field reports and joint statements from local authorities.