It would not be correct to set a date for the end of the search operations, as they take a long time to remove every reinforced concrete structure hanging from the three-story building. Armen Gasparyan, Director of the Rescue Service of Armenia, told reporters about this on Friday.
"Since the missing citizen was at the epicenter of the explosion, and a high-temperature fire broke out after the explosion, it will be very difficult for us. We use sophisticated equipment in order for us to be able to work in these conditions. First, we must ensure the safety of our rescuers. There is always a risk in the case of this three-story building because it is in a dilapidated state and can collapse at any moment," Gasparyan said.
According to him, the more the work continues, the more the fire pits under the rubble, which may seem extinguished at first glance, emit smoke during the cleaning work, which is why cooling is done regularly.
Asked whether there may have been flammable materials inside the building, too, on its upper floors Gasparyan responded: "According to our information, there were flammable materials on the upper floors, too; there was a warehouse [there]. The investigation will give the answer to the rest of the questions."