The death toll from a huge explosion in a shopping centre in Armenia has now risen to at least 15 people, according to local reports.
More than 60 others have also been injured by the blast that happened at a fireworks warehouse in the Surmalu area of the capital Yerevan, on Sunday (August 14), while it is thought that 18 people are still missing.
Firefighters have been struggling to contain the subsequent blaze as fireworks continued to detonate, while parts of the building have collapsed.
Thick black plumes of smoke have been seen rising out of the vicinity of the warehouse, with footage showing staff and shoppers being evacuated.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has visited the scene of the accident, while the Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Aid Centre have provided rescue equipment, as well as lighting equipment to clear debris at night.
Artsakh president Arayik Harutyunyan had a message to those who died in the blast. He said: “On behalf of the people of the Republic of Artsakh and myself, I extend my condolences and support to the relatives of the casualties, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery.
“At this difficult moment, the Armenian people must arm themselves with fortitude, and show support to all the victims.”
Among the rubble, civilians helped with the rescue efforts to save injured people caught in the blast, with some carried away on stretchers.
Vehicles were also among the smouldering rubble as people stood on car bonnets and attempted to remove some of the debris to help save people trapped beneath.
According to Armenia's Ministry of Emergency Situations, around 350 firefighters and rescue workers were deployed to the scene, as well as several trucks and construction machinery. They used long water hoses and ladders to extinguish the flames, leaving blackened, smouldering ruins.
In a nearby market street behind the mall, a man was filmed warning others to get away from the smoke before another huge blast sent a plume of smoke through the air towards them.
"I have never seen anything like this in my life, this is the first time I see such a thing," said one local resident.
Armenia's General Prosecutor's Office announced that it was opening an investigation into possible violations of “ fire regulations” or rules around storing flammable products.
