kills at least 2, injures dozens

A strong explosion at a fireworks storage area tore through a popular market in Armenia's capital on Sunday, killing at least two people, injuring 60 others and setting off a large fire.

Firefighters laboured into the night after the early afternoon blast at the Surmalu market to put out the blaze that sent a towering column of thick smoke over the centre of Yerevan.

Rescue workers and volunteers searched amid still-exploding fireworks for victims who might be trapped under slabs of concrete and twisted metal.

Emergencies Minister Armen Pambukhchyan said the ministry has received 20 reports from people who said they could not locate their relatives after the blast.

Ten injured people and one victim were pulled from the rubble, according to the national health ministry, which also gave the casualty toll.

A strong explosion at a fireworks storage area tore through a popular market in Armenia's capital on Sunday, killing at least two people, injuring 60 others and setting off a large fire.

Firefighters laboured into the night after the early afternoon blast at the Surmalu market to put out the blaze that sent a towering column of thick smoke over the centre of Yerevan.

Rescue workers and volunteers searched amid still-exploding fireworks for victims who might be trapped under slabs of concrete and twisted metal.

Emergencies Minister Armen Pambukhchyan said the ministry has received 20 reports from people who said they could not locate their relatives after the blast.

Ten injured people and one victim were pulled from the rubble, according to the national health ministry, which also gave the casualty toll.