Explosion and Collapse Occur Due to Gas Leak in Ararat Province

On December 18, an emergency incident took place in Ararat Province. Around 21:25, a call was received by the Ministry of Emergency Situations' Rescue Service 911 and the Masis division of the police, reporting an explosion in the village of Darakert.

According to photojournalist Gagik Shamshyan at the scene, emergency teams from the Masis Fire and Rescue Unit No. 25 and Yerevan's Fire and Rescue Unit No. 4 arrived promptly with three fire teams.

The head of the Ararat regional police department, Saribek Rostomyan, and the head of the Masis division, Vahagn Grigoryan, also arrived swiftly at the scene.

It was revealed that a powerful explosion occurred in the boiler room of a greenhouse on 1st Street in the village of Darakert due to a gas leak, resulting in a collapse and fire.

Before the firefighters arrived, employees of the greenhouse and local villagers fought against the spread of the fire.

The fire has now been extinguished, and according to preliminary information, fortunately, there were no injuries; however, the greenhouse owner suffered significant material damage.

The Masis division's investigative unit, led by senior investigator Zorik Sargsyan, is preparing materials on the incident.

The police are working on identifying the greenhouse owner.

Representatives from the Gaspromo Armenia company’s Ararat regional office also arrived on-site.

Photos by Gagik Shamshyan