Deadly explosion tears through market in Armenia’s capital

Smoke rises above Surmalu market (Daniel Bolshakov/AP)

A strong explosion at a fireworks storage area has torn through a popular market in Armenia’s capital, killing at least two people, injuring 60 others and setting off a large fire.

Firefighters worked into the night after the early afternoon blast at the Surmalu market to put out the blaze that sent a towering column of thick smoke over the centre of Yerevan.