Jemma Nazaryan, Deceased in Explosion, Went to 'Surmalu' for Store Supplies

The victim of the explosion at the 'Surmalu' shopping center, Jemma Nazaryan, was a resident of Nor Kharberd village. This was stated by a villager of Jemma, who requested anonymity, in a conversation with NEWS.am.

61-year-old Jemma Nazaryan owned a clothing store in Nor Kharberd and had gone there on that day to make purchases for her store. "Jemma was a respected figure in the village. No one believes that such a vibrant woman could fall victim to such a tragic event," said the villager.

Jemma Nazaryan had one son.

It is worth recalling that yesterday, at 13:23, the National Crisis Management Center received a report that an explosion had occurred at the 'Surmalu' shopping center. According to preliminary data, an explosion occurred, igniting a fire. The explosion resulted in 6 fatalities, and the number of injured exceeds 60.

A criminal investigation has been initiated under Article 357, Part 2 (Violation of fire safety rules or requirements, resulting in death or other serious consequences due to negligence) and Article 358, Part 2 (Violation of rules or requirements for the storage, accounting, transportation, delivery, or use of flammable or combustible materials, resulting in death or other serious consequences due to negligence) of the RA Criminal Code.

The names of the 6 victims have been confirmed: Misak Margaryan, Anahit Mkrtchyan, Jemma Nazaryan, Anahit Khalatyan, Vardan Kocharyan, and Gayane Avetisyan. According to recent reports, 15 citizens are still missing due to the explosion. The Ministry of Health has announced today that a total of 21 injured individuals continue to receive treatment at various medical centers, and their condition is assessed as moderate.

This morning, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived at the scene and was greeted by Yerevan Mayor Hrachya Sargsyan. It should be noted that the President of the Republic of Artsakh, Araik Harutyunyan, expressed condolences on behalf of the people of Artsakh regarding the explosion at the shopping center.