Armenia blast: Death toll rises to 15 after huge blast destroys shopping mall

WARNING DESTROYING IMAGES: A massive explosion at a fireworks factory in a shopping mall in the Armenian capital of Yerevan also injured more than 60 , while 18 are still missing

A large explosion at a fireworks factory in a shopping center in the capital Yerevan killed several people (

Image: Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)

The death toll from a huge explosion at a shopping center in Armenia now stands at at least 15 people, according to local reports.

More than 60 other people were also injured in the explosion that took place at a fireworks warehouse in the Surmalu district of the capital Yerevan on Sunday August 14, when 18 are believed to be people are still missing.

Firefighters struggled to contain the ensuing blaze as fireworks continued to explode, while parts of the building collapsed.

Thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising near the warehouse, with footage showing staff and shoppers being evacuated.

About 350 firefighters and rescue workers were deployed to the scene, as well as several trucks and construction machinery (

Picture:

by Reuters)

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the scene of the accident, while the Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Aid Center provided life-saving equipment, as well as lighting equipment to clean up the debris night.

Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan has sent 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 victims, and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

"At this difficult time, the Armenian people must arm themselves with courage and show their support for all the victims."

Among the rubble, civilians participated in rescue efforts to save the wounded caught in the blast, some carried on stretchers.