Gazprom Armenia Addresses Tragic Incident in Alaverdi

Days after a tragic incident in Goris, another misfortune has struck. In the city of Alaverdi, an entire family—father, mother, and two minors—has died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Gazprom Armenia's public relations department has released a statement in connection with the matter, stating that this tragic event is, unfortunately, a consequence of failing to adhere to the rules of safe domestic use of natural gas and ignoring basic requirements, as evidenced by preliminary inspection results conducted by specialists.

Gazprom Armenia has provided details regarding the circumstances of the incident:

• The safety gas alarm device installed in the apartment was disconnected from the electricity supply.
• The internal gas consumption system of the apartment had undergone significant modifications that grossly violated regulatory and safety requirements.
• The valve for the input line designated for the heating boiler had been sealed since July of this year due to the absence of gas-using equipment. However, this seal was removed, and the heating boiler was installed and operated without notifying the supplier.
• The metal chimney of the heating boiler located in the living room was effectively not removed from the apartment and did not have a vertical section. The flue was inserted into the wall of the balcony up to a depth of 20 centimeters, with only three small holes created on the exterior, failing to ensure the normal evacuation of exhaust gases.
• Additionally, a water heater was installed voluntarily against the design in the kitchen, which was connected to the input line of the gas stove via a manifold. The chimney of the water heater was connected to the kitchen ventilation system, depriving the area of proper ventilation.

Gazprom Armenia urges adherence to safety requirements for the use of natural gas in homes:

1. It is strictly prohibited to disconnect gas consumption safety alarm devices installed in apartments from their electric supply or to use homemade or defective gas appliances.
2. Avoid voluntary modifications to air and flue lines that create artificial resistance and refrain from any improvisation during gas usage.