Explosion in Garage Caused by Connecting a Light Bulb: Details from the Investigative Committee

An explosion occurred in a garage near one of the buildings on Komitas Avenue, prompting the initiation of a criminal case. This was reported by the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

On July 3, 2023, at 22:22, a report was received about an explosion in the vicinity of one of the buildings on Komitas Avenue, resulting in structural collapses and casualties. On the same day at 23:30, a medical center reported that an ambulance crew had transported a man with thermal burns and severe shock from the mentioned building.

A criminal case has been initiated within the Investigative Department of the Arabkir Administrative District of Yerevan under Article 412, Part 2, Clause 2 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. An investigative team has been formed, and a preliminary investigation is underway.

The scene was immediately examined. Preliminary data indicates that there were liquid gas cylinders and gas equipment in one of the garages adjacent to the apartment building at 54/1 Komitas Avenue. A gas leak occurred from one of the cylinders, and the explosion reportedly happened when a citizen entered their garage and connected the light bulb.

The citizen sustained burns and bodily injuries and was taken to a medical center. The powerful explosion damaged the window shutters and glass of apartments facing the building’s courtyard, as well as some concrete structures in the area. Several parked vehicles were damaged and deformed, and two garages located in front of the building's entrances collapsed almost entirely, while a third was partially destroyed.

In order to clarify several circumstances, a decision was made on July 4, 2023, to conduct an examination of the explosion. It is noted that investigative and procedural urgent measures are being taken to determine all circumstances of the incident. As of now, investigators are carrying out necessary actions at the scene.