YEREVAN, May 14 (RIA Novosti) - Three people are
reported to have died in a fire that broke out at a rubber
plant in the Armenian capital Yerevan on Thursday, an
emergencies ministry official said.
According to preliminary reports, there was an explosion
in the chloroprene section at the Nairit Plant which was
followed by a fire. Some time later a second powerful explosion
occurred.
"The dead are plant employees, who were in the sector at
the time of the explosion," Col. Nikolai Grigoryan said, adding
that 17 rescue workers had received treatment for burns and
toxic gas poisoning.
Grigoryan added that as a result of the fire, no harmful
or poisonous substances had been released into the surrounding
area.
"Six ambulance crews are currently working at the scene,"
a medical source said, adding that a number of people, who were
slightly injured in the accident, had received medical
treatment at the scene.
One person is reported to be missing.
A total of 27 firefighting units are working at the scene. The
fire has already been brought under control.
"The fire is quite serious and can be seen from nearly all
parts of the city," Grigoryan said.
The Nairit Plant has produced chloroprene rubber and latex
since 1940.
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