'Monstrous' explosion hits market in Armenia's capital Yerevan – VIDEO

Terrifying video footage has revealed the apocalyptic scenes in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, after a monstrous explosion tore through a market. The clip captured thick plumes of black smoke smothering the sky as the rubble remains of the building below erupted in a wall of flames. The surrounding street lay strewn with clumps of debris and dust as helpless onlookers stared in horror at the scene unfolding. Apparent explosions can be heard in the video and reports have speculated that the blaze started near a business where fireworks were stored, before the flames quickly grew out of control.

As emergency services have continued efforts to bring the fire under control, at least one person has been confirmed dead.

Dozens more have been injured and, hours after the blaze erupted, firefighters were still attempting to extinguish the towering flames.

Rescue teams have begun conducting desperate search efforts to locate and free survivors that are expected to be trapped under the scorched remains of the building.

Reports from the scene suggest witnesses have already observed several injured survivors being pulled from the rubble.

The blast occured at the Surmalu market, a large and popular shopping location around two kilometres from the city centre.

The fire is reported to have originated from a fireworks storage area close to the market, before a series of explosions tore through the surrounding area.

The exact cause of the blaze has not yet been officially confirmed and there is no immediate understanding of what may have triggered the fireworks to ignite.

Local authorities confirmed a large presence of emergency services had attended the scene to control the fire and treat victims at the site.

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source: express.co.uk