How did 4 tons of explosive material accumulate in the 'Surmalu'? Geologist: 24News

It is unlikely that there were 4 tons of TNT equivalent material among the fireworks. This was stated to 24News by Marat Grigoryan, dean of the Faculty of Geography and Geology at Yerevan State University, in response to the statement made by Minister of Emergency Situations Armen Pambukhchyan.

On August 16, Pambukhchyan, speaking about the explosion that occurred on August 14 in the three-story building of the 'Surmalu' shopping center, told reporters that there could have been up to 4 tons of explosive material in the building's warehouse. Geologist Marat Grigoryan believes this is implausible.

“If we calculate how much fireworks and other items could amount to 4 tons, it is excluded. The most accurate answer will come from a professional examination. An explosion of 4 tons of TNT equivalent would cause enormous destruction. They cannot imagine how powerful such an explosion would be. Such an explosion is already visible through the state of the building's surface, the condition of the people, and the destruction. How did 4 tons of explosive material accumulate in the warehouse? It is simply incomprehensible,” emphasized the Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Geology.

Regarding the question of what impact this explosion could have on the seismic stability of the area, the geologist told the news outlet that there would not be any problems.

“Any construction work can be carried out in that area. It is unlikely that this explosion could lead to such geological changes. Naturally, geological studies should be conducted before any construction begins to assess the state of the ground,” concluded Marat Grigoryan.