Captain Charged in Barracks Fire to Undergo Skin Graft Surgery

The captain, Yeghishe Hakobyan, charged in the case of the January 19 barracks fire that resulted in the deaths of 15 servicemen in the N military unit in the village of Azat, Gegharkunik Province, is set to undergo surgery today. This was reported to NEWS.am by Karine Babayan, the deputy director of the National Burns Center.

"A skin graft will be performed on his face and wrists," Babayan stated. It has been noted that the captain has yet to be interrogated. The deputy director further added that a conscript who underwent the same surgery last week is in satisfactory condition. He is currently experiencing an inflammation of the ear cartilage and may be transferred to a military hospital after treatment.

The captain, who was attempting to light a heater, has been charged under Article 532, Part 4 of the RA Criminal Code (violating rules for handling weapons, munitions, military equipment, or other dangerous materials, which has negligently resulted in the death of two or more persons). The captain himself also sustained burns in the fire, and his health condition is assessed as moderate.