Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan has conveyed his condolences to the relatives of those who died or were wounded in Sunday’s explosion and fire at Yerevan’s Surmalu Market.

“On the behalf of all of us, I also want to thank the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the employees of the Yerevan Municipality, our doctors, the employees of other relevant bodies, representatives of the Armenian Red Cross and our volunteers for their selfless work,” Khachaturyan writes in a statement released four days after the accident.

“In reference to this terrible tragedy, I once again urge all our citizens, economic entities and competent authorities to be constantly vigilant and to strictly observe safety rules because the life and health of every citizen of Armenia are priceless.” 

Sixteen deaths have been officially confirmed due to the fire and explosion at the market.