25 victims of gas explosion in Armenia are still under intensive care

As reported by the Armenian Ministry for Emergencies (MfE), 25 victims of the explosion in Republic Square of Yerevan are still treated at intensive care units of local medical centres. The exploded balloons could be filled with hydrogen or methane, which have the lifting force and are explosives at the same time, said Vladimir Fedotov, Deputy Director of the Scientific and Production Association (SPA) "Geliymash". He denies that the balloons could be filled with helium, the RIA "Novosti" reports.

As of 8:30 a.m. on May 5, different hospitals of Yerevan still keep 76 people. 25 of them are in intensive care units of these hospitals, the "NEWS.am" reports, citing the press service of the MfE.

"Most of all, it was hydrogen. Helium is an absolutely inert gas; it doesn't enter into any chemical reaction. Chemical compounds of helium can be obtained only under very specific conditions, and they are unstable. Breathing mixtures, including for deep-sea submersibles, are made on the basis of helium and oxygen – for the very reason that helium is inert," said Vladimir Fedotov.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out above the crowd that had gathered for a concert. Some people were running completely covered with fire, with their burning hair and clothes. "After the explosion, the square was in panic. Despite this, a few minutes after the explosion the concert and the rally of the ruling party continued... They said that there was nothing serious... It's so fine that we didn't go there," writes the blogger Karute.