Authorities probing Yerevan market fire

A criminal investigation has been launched following a major fire that broke out at the Malatia Shopping Center in Yerevan on Thursday.

The case has been launched under charges related to violations of fire safety rules, the Investigative Committee told Panorama.am. Officials did not provide details regarding the extent of the damage or the number of affected people.

The blaze destroyed about 530 square meters of warehouse space and 70 square meters of market stalls. Firefighters managed to stop the flames from spreading to a nearby 400-square-meter shoe warehouse, preventing further losses.