In the Armenian capital, Yerevan, the camp is blown up and then a gas pipeline explodes. At least three people are killed and dozens are injured. Is there a connection with bomb threats coming in shortly afterwards?
According to official information, at least three people were killed and 60 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, according to a reporter at the scene. At least 25 people were still missing after the explosion on Sunday afternoon, according to the Armenian civil defense.
According to initial information, a warehouse with fireworks blew up. A gas line exploded as a result. The detonation was massive. Many people ran away from the scene of the accident for their lives. The authorities assumed that careless handling of fire was the cause.
Several buildings on the wholesale site collapsed or were damaged. The fire was not extinguished even after hours. A cloud of smoke spread over the city. Dust and debris settled on cars. According to the Ministry of Health, more than 60 people were injured. About a dozen of them were children.
A few hours after the explosion, the country’s civil defense received several bomb threats. After that, bombs were planted in the Yerevan subway, in the parliament and in other buildings. Passengers had to exit the subway. Specialists searched the stations, but found no explosive devices. There was no information about a connection between the events.
The former Soviet Republic of Armenia in the South Caucasus, bordering Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia, is one of the poorest countries in the region. Again and again there are violations of elementary safety regulations. Rescue workers and the fire brigade were deployed without protective masks. Armenia is in a military conflict with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
