
Published on May 15, 2009
EXPLOSION AND FIRE AT CHEMICAL PLANT IN ARMENIA
- Two explosions within a space of about five minutes rocked a sprawling chemical plant in southern Yerevan at about 6.40 pm Thursday. The explosions were followed by a huge fire at a chloroprene production shop at Nairit, the region’s largest synthetic rubber producing plant. The two explosions could be heard by residents living in the nearby area. Sixteen fire-fighting vehicles reportedly rushed to the scene soon after the incident and were fighting fire late on Thursday. The fire rated as 'huge' was reportedly localized. Police had sealed off the area leading to the plant and part of at least one broad avenue, Bagratunyats, in the capital’s Shengavit district was blocked for pedestrians and motorists. Several ambulance vehicles were rushing into the area. According to unconfirmed reports, there are at least three deaths and over a dozen injuries. Some firefighters are also believed to be among those who sustained burns. According to the latest unconfirmed report, four people worked in the premises where the explosions took place at the moment when the incident occurred. The dead bodies of three of them have been found. Nothing is yet known about the other worker who presumably was inside when the explosions took place. A spokesman for the plant, also speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, said the explosion and fire at the plant did not threaten the area’s environment. One worker of the plant, who introduced himself as a chemical specialist, said talking to ArmeniaNow that the explosions and fire did not cause any chemical air pollution that would essentially endanger or pose hazard to human life or health. Police, however, as of Thursday evening, reportedly were taking measures to evacuate people, including residents, from the close vicinity of the plant.

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Today in Armenian history- 1827 Harootyoon Alamdaryan exhorts the soldiers before their departure for the front.
- 1913 Death of Qaseem, author of moralistic, populist novels and editor of the "Soorhandak" and "Manzoomee Efkeestee" papers.
- 1916 Death of freedom-fighter and hero Qerree.
- 1918 The Turkish army re-occupies Alexandropol (Gyoomree).
- 1920 Death of actor Ovee Sevoomyan.
- 1930 Death of the humanist Dr. Friedhof Nansen. His internationally recognized "Nansen Passport" saved the lives of many stateless refugees.
- 1946 Death of Grigor Avetyan (actor) in Yerevan. He was born in 1870.
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