UPDATE - Armenian blast death toll rises to 6

UPDATES WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT’S REMARKS, MINOR EDITS

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - The death toll from a powerful explosion at a market in the Armenian capital Yerevan rose to six on Monday, according to the country's Emergency Ministry.

Sunday's blast in an explosives warehouse at the Surmalu shopping center caused a fire and led to the collapse of the three-story building.

"Rescuers recovered the body of another person from the rubble. Thus, the total number of deaths reached six people," spokesman Ayk Kocharyan told reporters in Yerevan.

In total, more than 60 people were injured while 17 went missing, he said, adding that rescue operations and efforts to douse the fire continue.

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan over the incident.

"Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the loss of life as a result of the fire in the Yerevan shopping center. Please, convey the words of the most sincere sympathy and support to the families of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all injured," Putin said in a telegram.