Two explosions within a space of about five minutes rocked a sprawling chemical plant in southern Yerevan at about 6.40 pm Thursday.

The explosions were followed by a huge fire at a chloroprene production shop at Nairit, the region’s largest synthetic rubber producing plant. The two explosions could be heard by residents living in the nearby area.

Fourteen fire-fighting brigades reportedly rushed to the scene soon after the incident and were fighting fire late on Thursday.

Police had sealed off the area leading to the plant and part of at least one broad avenue, Bagratunyats in the capital’s Shengavit district was blocked for pedestrians.

Several ambulance vehicles were rushing into the area. According to unconfirmed reports, there are at least three deaths and over a dozen injuries. Some firefighters are also believed to be among those who sustained burns. According to the latest unconfirmed report, four people worked in the premises where the explosions took place at the moment when the incident occurred. The dead bodies of three of them have been found. Nothing is yet known about the other worker who presumably was inside when the explosions took place.

A spokesman for the plant, also speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, said the explosion and fire at the plant did not threaten the area’s environment.

One worker of the plant, who introduced himself as a chemical specialist, said talking to ArmeniaNow that the explosions and fire did not cause any chemical air pollution that would essentially endanger or present hazard to human life or health.

Police, however, as of Thursday evening, reportedly were taking measures to evacuate people, including residents, from the close vicinity of the plant.