Witnesses Questioned in Surmalu Explosion Case: Prosecutor's Office Provides Details

The investigation into the explosion at the Surmalu shopping center is ongoing with significant developments. The Public Relations Department of the Republic of Armenia's Prosecutor General's Office has announced that today, Yerevan City Prosecutor Sevak Hovhannisyan held an operational consultation with the investigators of the criminal case initiated regarding the explosion, which claimed numerous lives, as well as with the prosecutors overseeing the legality of the preliminary investigation.

The progress and interim results of the initiated criminal proceedings were discussed. Based on the information regarding the operational situation and the outcomes of the discussion, the Prosecutor of Yerevan provided specific instructions on the main directions of the inquiry, urgent evidential actions, and the scope of those operations.

The investigation is examining all circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the causes of the explosion, the status of the building, its contents, the legality of their maintenance, the state of adherence to safety and fire safety regulations in the area, and actions needed to clarify the identities of responsible persons and legally assess their actions.

This morning at 10:30, investigators and experts began a partial examination of the crime scene, attended by prosecutors from the prosecutorial group. Considering that ventilation, as well as rescue and search operations, are still ongoing at the scene, it has not yet been possible to approach the primary center of the fire and explosion to perform essential actions for acquiring information related to the causes.

This will be conducted immediately after the primary measures in the area are completed, the risk of possible collapses is neutralized, and adequate safety conditions are ensured.

Approximately two dozen individuals have been questioned within the framework of the criminal proceedings, including victims and owners of booths engaged in commercial activities at the shopping center. This process continues, and representatives and employees of the Surmalu marketplace administration will also be questioned in accordance with the investigation's planning.

All data concerning enterprises operating in the marketplace has been demanded, and all surveillance devices located in the vicinity of the crime scene have been confiscated.

Efforts are being made for the identification of bodies recovered from the rubble. Additionally, comprehensive forensic examinations have been commissioned, including explosive technical, fire technical, forensic engineering, forensic materials, forensics consulting, and forensic computer technical evaluations. Based on today's discussions, the Yerevan City Prosecutor has also tasked the assignment of a forensic explosive technology examination.

All hypotheses are under investigation. In this context, all publications regarding the causes of the explosion and possible hypotheses that have been detailed in the press have been forwarded by the Yerevan City Prosecutor to the preliminary investigation body for verification of their credibility and further inquiry.

The progress of the investigation and the data received are reported periodically to the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Armenia, who issues directives. The Armenian Prosecutor's Office remains steadfast in ensuring a thorough, comprehensive, and objective investigation to fully clarify the circumstances of the tragic incident.