Circumstances of the School Bus Incident Falling into the River in Syunik Have Been Clarified

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has clarified several circumstances surrounding the fatal traffic accident that occurred on March 10, 2023, in the village of Norashenik in the Kapan community as part of the ongoing criminal proceedings conducted by the Syunik regional investigative department.

On March 10, 2023, at 14:10, a bus brand 'Paz 3206-110' driven by a 75-year-old resident of Kapan veered off the roadway and rolled into a river while carrying passengers. As a result, the driver and 23 passengers were taken to a medical center with varying degrees of injuries, where one of the passengers died due to the injuries sustained.

A criminal case has been initiated under Part 2 of Article 342 of the RA Criminal Code. An autopsy and forensic examinations have been ordered. The 23 passengers admitted to the hospital have been recognized as victims. A forensic automotive and trace examination has also been commissioned within the framework of the criminal proceedings.

As established during the preliminary investigation, including procedural and evidential actions and the comprehensive investigations carried out, at 14:20 on March 10, 2023, the 75-year-old man, while operating the 'Paz 3206-110' bus, failed to adequately observe the traffic conditions ahead while transporting students and teachers from the Ughtamir school to the city of Kapan. The driver did not choose an appropriate and safe driving mode. As a result, he improperly and dangerously managed his vehicle, creating a hazardous situation.

The bus veered off the road and overturned into the Achanan River near the bridge of the village of Arajamur, leading to the death of one passenger – a teacher – from the injuries sustained, while the remaining 22 passengers suffered varying degrees of bodily harm.

The investigation also found that the bus's control systems and stability mechanisms, components, and parts, including the steering and braking systems, were operational and in good condition prior to the incident. Based on the collected evidence, the prosecuting body has submitted a request to the supervising prosecutor to initiate public criminal proceedings against the bus driver under Part 2 of Article 342 of the RA Criminal Code. The investigation is ongoing.

Note: The accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the RA through a legally binding court verdict.