Major Fire Breaks Out at Malatia Mall: Emergency Services on Site, But Where Were the Police?

Today, a major fire broke out at the Malatia Mall in Yerevan. As of now, it has not been extinguished. Employees at Malatia Mall initially tried to rescue the merchandise that was still undamaged, specifically moving raw materials for soft furnishings out of storage.

As the flames spread further, those on the upper floors found themselves trapped and unable to descend. Firefighters brought in extended ladders to assist those stuck on the upper floor, navigating through thick black smoke.

According to a correspondent from Tert.am on the scene, both emergency services and ambulances were present. The official website of the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that at 16:35, the fire's complexity level was raised to a “Level 3” alarm, prompting an additional four firetrucks from the Yerevan city rescue department to head to the scene. Under a “Level 2” alarm, ten firetrucks, two ladder trucks, a special operations rescue team, and crisis management specialists were dispatched.

While firefighters and paramedics were actively assisting on the scene, police officers were notably absent. Employees of the Vega store were moving merchandise out of the building, cautioning onlookers to keep their distance.

Malatia Mall staff were attempting to save anything they could. From the very first moment of the incident, it was evident that strict police oversight was necessary, particularly to ensure the safety of those around the fire, as some opportunists attempted to take advantage of the situation without supervision over the goods.

According to our modest estimates, police arrived about two hours later. Even then, they merely stood off to the side, watching the events unfold. The police have repeatedly claimed to be standing alongside the public; however, this was not at all noticeable in this situation. During gatherings or protests, they are quick to drag people off the streets and take them to police stations.

In any normal country, the police would have cordoned off the area, as it was unclear what was burning inside. There may even have been a risk of explosions. When we inquired when the police received the call and how many units were dispatched to the scene, the head of the police department's press and public relations office, Ashot Aharonyan, stated he was on vacation and could not answer our questions.

In total, the number of injured has reached six. Preliminary reports indicate that four individuals were transferred to Astghik Medical Center. They do not have serious injuries and are receiving first aid. Additionally, two more injured persons were transferred to the Scientific Center of Radiation Medicine and Burns. Two victims taken to the Republican Hospital are currently in the toxicology ward, with their condition assessed as moderate. They are receiving appropriate medical assistance.