Large Fire Breaks Out at Vega Store in Malatya District

A large fire has erupted in the warehouse section of the Vega store, located in the Malatya administrative district. The fire, which started around noon, has not yet been contained. The Chief of the Armenian Police, Valery Osipyan, has visited the scene, where efforts to extinguish the flames are ongoing. Former parliamentary member Samvel Aleksanyan, who owns the shopping center, is also on site.

Upon arrival, Valery Osipyan was informed by Samvel Aleksanyan that the fire has not been extinguished. Aleksanyan expressed concern, stating, “I regret to say that one floor caught fire without being put out, then the second caught fire... different floors are burning.”

He urged citizens and employees of the shopping center to assist in extinguishing the fire. “The second hose has arrived, we’ve brought water,” added Aleksanyan as he approached the emergency services personnel.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations reports that according to preliminary data, there are eight injured as a result of the fire. Responding to the situation, two firefighting units from the Yerevan Rescue Department have been dispatched, followed by an additional six units.

In total, 18 firefighting units are participating in the response, along with two aerial ladders and units from the Special Rescue Operations Center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, as well as crisis management teams and psychological support instructors.

Information regarding the firefighting efforts is being regularly reported to the Minister of Emergency Situations.