Explosion in Nor Aresh Caused by Gas Leak and Ignition by Resident

On February 5, 2024, an unknown citizen and then the emergency services received reports about an explosion heard in the streets 27 and 34 of Nor Aresh, Yerevan, leading to several houses collapsing and casualties.

An operational group was dispatched to the scene, where it was confirmed that a house at 23 Nor Aresh Street 27 had exploded, and there might be people trapped under the rubble.

In connection with the incident, the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia initiated a criminal case under the second part of Article 357 of the RA Criminal Code in the investigative department of the Erebuni and Nubarashen administrative districts on the same day. An investigative group has been formed.

Inspection of the scene was conducted with the participation of relevant experts. It was found that the explosion completely and partially destroyed three houses on Nor Aresh Street 34, while several other houses sustained damage.

Rescue operations were carried out by the Ministry of Emergency Situations personnel, during which residents Rosa Nazaryan, born in 1938, and Harant Sargsyan, born in 1994, were rescued from the rubble of their respective homes on Nor Aresh streets 34 and 27.

Residents Haik Soghomonyan, born in 1987, and Gayane Yeghoyan, born in 1970, were also rescued from the rubble of their home on Nor Aresh Street 34. Decisions were made to recognize Rosa Nazaryan, Harant Sargsyan, Haik Soghomonyan, and Gayane Yeghoyan as victims.

Residents related to the incident and neighbors were questioned. Video recordings from surveillance cameras near the site were obtained and are undergoing examination.

According to preliminary and yet-to-be-verified data during the investigation, the explosion occurred in the house at 23 Nor Aresh Street 27 due to a gas leak and ignition from a resident's lighter. A decision was made to seize the documents regarding gas service from the relevant company.

Explosive, fire-technical, commodity, construction-technical, forensic medical, and complex forensic examinations were ordered. The police were tasked with conducting operational investigative measures and collecting data relevant to the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.