Firefighting Operations Completely Cease at Surmalu Trade Center

The firefighting operations at the Surmalu Trade Center in Yerevan have been completely halted. Artush Grigoryan, the first deputy minister of emergency situations of the Republic of Armenia, stated this during a conversation with journalists, as reported by Armenpress.

"Firefighting operations have ceased entirely; we are exclusively focused on search and rescue operations. New hotspots of fire may occasionally reignite, but the spread of flames is immediately contained," noted Grigoryan.

He added that there have been 20 reports regarding missing persons, four of which pertain to Iranian nationals, with the report received from the Iranian embassy.

"Search and rescue operations are ongoing. Approximately 300 personnel from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, regional units, special rescue departments, and urban search and rescue teams are working at the site," he explained.

Grigoryan also mentioned that discussions are underway regarding the neutralization of the columns of the partially collapsed building due to the explosion. A final decision on this matter will be made in the coming hours.

The deputy minister highlighted that there is a risk of further collapse.

On August 14, at 1:23 PM, the National Crisis Management Center received a report of an explosion at the Surmalu Trade Center. According to the latest information, 7 people have died, over 60 others have been injured, and more than twenty people are missing.