Investigative Committee Enters Supervisory Body in Surmalu Explosion Case

According to 'Zhoghovurd' newspaper, the Investigative Committee of Armenia has entered the supervisory body of urban planning, technical, and fire safety following the explosion at the Surmalu shopping center.

Information gathered indicates that several employees of the supervisory body have already been interrogated, with specific questions asked regarding what they noticed during inspections—what areas were checked, and which parts were left unattended. They have been requested to provide documentation related to their inspections.

In addition to the victims, the investigative authority has also questioned employees of state bodies in an effort to clarify which agency's negligence caused the fire risk situation that resulted in 16 fatalities.

'Zhoghovurd' has learned that the owners of the shopping center have not yet been questioned, and there are currently no suspects in the case.

Meanwhile, questions have arisen about the activities of the Armenian urban planning supervisory body, which seems to have forgotten about the inspections conducted a year ago, now justifying its inaction by claiming that employees are few and resources are lacking for re-inspections.

'Zhoghovurd' examined the official website of the supervisory body and observed that its leadership, headed by Gegham Shakhbazyan, appears primarily focused on weighing vehicles, as most publications on the official site are about vehicle scales.

For the complete article, refer to this day's issue of 'Zhoghovurd' newspaper.