Investigative Committee Reports on School Bus Accident

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has received a report from the Syunik Regional Investigative Department regarding a road traffic accident that occurred on March 10 at 14:10 in the Norashenik community of Kapan.

In connection with the alert, an operational group dispatched to the site discovered that on the same day at 14:10, a "PAZ 3206-110" model bus, transporting students and faculty members from the Ughtan school to Kapan city, left the roadway and rolled into the Achanan River near the bridge of the Arajadzor community.

As a result, a passenger, Tamara Davtyan, a primary school teacher from Ughtan Secondary School, died on the spot from injuries sustained, while 22 passengers and the driver were taken to the Kapan Medical Center with varying degrees of injuries.

An investigation has been initiated by the Syunik Regional Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia under the second part of Article 342 of the Criminal Code of Armenia (Violation of requirements directed at ensuring road traffic safety or rules ensuring the safety of road traffic or operation of vehicles).

The site and the vehicle have been examined, and forensic medical examinations have been appointed. The 23 passengers transported to the hospital, including the deceased teacher, have been recognized as victims. Among them, 14 are students and 8 are teachers, along with 1 from the support staff.

The preliminary investigation continues. Necessary measures are being taken to clarify the circumstances of the event, including determining the technical condition of the vehicle and the reasons for leaving the roadway. To this end, a forensic automotive examination has also been appointed.

Notice: A person accused of committing a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, by a legally binding court judgment.