Scores Injured As Gas Balloons Explode At Armenia Political Rally

RTT News
May 4 2012

Scores Injured As Gas Balloons Explode At Armenia Political Rally

(RTTNews) – At least 140 people have been injured after clusters of
gas balloons exploded during a political rally in the central square
of Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan on Friday, according to officials
and local media reports.

The incident happened as thousands were attending events organized by
the ruling Republican Party of Armenia in Yerevan as part of the
parliamentary election campaign.

Although the balloons were supposed to be filled with helium,
authorities now suspect that they may have instead been filled with
methane.

Local media reports said the balloons appeared to have exploded after
being ignited by a cigarette at the rally.

Videos of the incident posted on Armenian websites showed dozens of
people running and screaming, some of them with their clothes on fire.

Armenia’s emergencies ministry said at least 144 people have been
rushed to nearby hospitals with burns, and added that none of the
injuries appeared to be life threatening.

Meanwhile, the Novosti Armeniya news agency quoted health ministry
spokesperson Shushan Hananyan as saying that some of the injured were
hurt in the panic caused by the blast as hundreds tried to flee.

Despite the incident, Armenian President Serge Sargsyan briefly
addressed those remaining at the venue before visiting the injured in
hospitals.

The Republican Party and its coalition ally, Prosperous Armenia, are
expected to win at least 60% of the votes in Sunday’s parliamentary
election, implying that there may little or no change in the current
government.

by RTT Staff Writer