Search and Rescue Operations Continue at Surmalu Shopping Center

One week after the explosion, search and rescue operations continue at the Surmalu Shopping Center. This has been reported by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Armenia.

Rescue teams from the Yerevan Rescue Department, the special purpose center for conducting rescue operations, the department for organizing firefighting and rescue operations, and the medical support division are working at the scene.

The search and rescue operations are being conducted in one area. In total, one tracked excavator, two cargo trucks, and one mobile crane are involved in the work.

As a result of the search and rescue operations, the bodies of 16 citizens have been discovered: Misak Patvaken Margaryan, born in 1965; Anahit Vazgeni Mkrtchyan, born in 1967; Jemma Sargsi Nazaryan, born in 1960; Anahit Zarsandi Khalatyan, born in 1970; Vardan Gurgeni Kocharyan, born in 1960; Gayane Artavazdi Avetisyan, born in 1966; Aram Komisari Hayrapetyan, born in 1980; Vagharshak Vahagni Yeghoyan, born in 2000; Ernaph Manveli Grigoryan, born in 1980; Harutyun Samveli Garakyan, born in 1988; Mariam Armeni Khachatryan, born in 1992; Sirarp Shikhaz Khachatryan, born in 1994; Marat Karenyi Shahbazyan, born in 2018; Hrachya Faenbergi Sargsyan, born in 1976; Artavazd Hambardzumyi Hayrapetyan, born in 1951; and one unidentified citizen.

63 citizens have sought medical assistance in Yerevan hospitals, of which 3 are still receiving treatment, while the others have been discharged after receiving the necessary care.

From August 14-20, a total of 1189 rescue service members from regional and structural subdivisions participated in firefighting and rescue efforts at the Surmalu Shopping Center on a rotating basis. Rescuers have retrieved 10 injured individuals from the rubble.

According to calls received by the Ministry of Emergency Situations' hotline at 911, the following citizens may be considered missing in the territory of the Surmalu Shopping Center: 1. Gagik Karleni Karapetyan, born in 1959; 2. Vanik Khachiki Amirakhanian, born in 1967. If you have any information regarding missing individuals, please contact the 911 hotline.

A psychological support team has provided assistance to 62 citizens on-site. Citizens can also obtain psychological support by calling the 911 hotline.

The firefighting operations at the scene were coordinated by Minister of Emergency Situations Armen Pambukhchyan. Present at the scene were Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan.

Recall that on August 14, at 13:23, the National Crisis Management Center received a call reporting an explosion at the Surmalu Shopping Center located at 15 Arshakunyats Street in Yerevan, which caused a fire and partial collapse of the three-story building. The fire was isolated by August 16 at 14:38 and extinguished by 17:49. The area designated for firefighting and rescue operations is approximately 1 hectare. The majority of the three-story building (2889 sq.m.) and several adjacent booths have collapsed.