Investigation into the Accident Involving the 99 Route Minibus

The newspaper "Zhoghovurd" reports: "As stated by the advisor to the Prosecutor General of Armenia, Gor Abrahamyan, a decision has been made to reject the opening of a criminal case regarding the accident involving the minibus serving route number 99, which occurred on February 5. This decision is based on the findings that the injuries sustained by seven citizens in the accident were classified as light or not significant enough to cause legal consequences.

However, it has also been revealed that the driver of the number 99 minibus had an expired driver's license since December 4 of the previous year, and it has not been renewed as per the legal requirements. Furthermore, the driver was under the influence of alcohol, suggesting that the law enforcement system, represented by the prosecutor's office, is overlooking this circumstance. Following Gor Abrahamyan's statement, "Zhoghovurd" contacted the spokesperson for the mayor, Hakob Karapetyan, to inquire whether the head of the transport department at the mayor's office was aware that the route's driver was operating without a license.

"If you recall, we announced on the day of the accident that the driver did not approach the dispatch center. Still, since December, his driver's license had been expired, which the dispatcher did not notice. The transport department exercises control through dispatch centers. The violation has indeed been detected by an employee at the dispatch center, and the person responsible for this violation will face the strictest penalties," he noted. It is important to point out that the Transport Department is also subordinate to the mayor. Thus, it turns out that Hayk Marutyan is not in command of the situation, and a person operating without a driver's license, and while intoxicated, has been fulfilling the route and transporting citizens. Now it turns out that no one will be punished for this situation, except for the driver, who faces a fine."

For more details, see today's issue of the newspaper.