Within the framework of the criminal proceeding initiated in Kotayk Regional Investigative Department of the RA Investigative Committee the circumstances of the explosion and burn injuries caused to several people on January 17 in Zovuni settlement of Nairi community are being found out.

On January 17, 2023 a report was received in the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs informing that on the same day at about 17:30 in the gas cylinder installation station of cars located in Street 1 of Zovuni settlement there have been an explosion and there are injured people.

A criminal proceeding was initiated according to the Part 1 of the Article 356 of RA Criminal Code.

It was found out that while doing the relevant work on the car there was a liquefied gas leak the combustion of which caused an explosion. As a result, three people received burns of various degrees and were taken to medical center. Besides, the constructions of the station were also spoilt.

Within the proceeding inspection of the scene was conducted, a number of people were questioned. Considering that the station is a hazardous production facility where gas cylinder installation, as well as gas cylinder inspection service is provided, all the documents related to its activity were taken.

Forensic medical expertise as well as forensic fire technical, forensic explosion technological, forensic construction technical, forensic merchandising, forensic engineering technical complex expertise was commissioned.

Preliminary investigation is ongoing. All necessary measures are taken to find out the causes of the explosion.

Note; Everyone charged with alleged crime offence shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law.