In Yerevan, a serious fire erupted in the Surmalu wholesale market on Sunday afternoon, reported by Armenia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations. Early information indicates a pyrotechnics warehouse was burning at the time of the incident.
The blast at the Sürmalu market was followed by a large fire classified as a third-category incident. Firefighters and rescue teams arrived at the scene, with additional units mobilized to support the response.
According to initial updates from Sputnik Armenia and other official sources, one person died and multiple others were injured as responders worked to control the situation. The National Crisis Management Center logged the explosion at 13:23 local time (12:23 Moscow time). City services continued to deploy to the site to manage the aftermath and assist victims, with ongoing assessments of the damage and needs, as reported by news outlets.
Health authorities subsequently provided an updated casualty figure, indicating a higher number of injured individuals requiring medical care.
fireworks storage and structural collapse
One building within the Surmalu shopping complex collapsed amid the explosions and ensuing fire. Observers suggested that the collapse affected a structure associated with a fireworks storage facility, according to local reporting. Emergency responders focused on stabilizing the area and removing debris to reach those trapped or injured.
The head of the city’s ambulance service noted that the situation evolved rapidly, with several people being hospitalized as the situation changed by the minute. Rescue teams continued to work through the rubble as teams coordinated efforts to locate and assist survivors.
Local authorities acknowledged that a number of individuals remained unaccounted for in the perimeter of the collapse, and ongoing rescue operations aimed to confirm who was affected and to recover anyone needing aid.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as smoke rolled over the market and people near the affected area fled. Social media posts and news channels circulated footage showing the intensity of the event, the scale of the smoke plume, and the rapid string of explosions reported by observers.
The precise cause of the fire had not been determined at the time of initial reporting. Video and eyewitness accounts depicted thick black smoke emanating from the market and loud explosions that created a sense of urgency among residents and responders alike.