Several rally goers injured by balloons in Armenia

At least 144 people were injured during a political rally held yesterday in the Armenian capital Yerevan after a cluster of gas balloons exploded.

The explosions have been blamed on a cigarette lit close to the balloons.

The government campaign event, being held ahead of parliamentary polls, resulted in over 100 people being taken to hospital for medical treatment of burns. None of the injuries were thought to be life-threatening.

Most of the injuries appeared to be fairly light and despite the explosion, President Serge Sarkisian still went on to address the people in attendance.

Shushan Hananyan, a health ministry spokesperson said that a number of people were injured in the panic following the blast as people tried to escape the flames.  

Parliamentary elections in Armenia are to be held tomorrow.