Unexploded Shell Found in Aluminum Fragments Causes Explosion, Body of Man Discovered

On July 20, 2024, at 18:35, a report was received about a civilian Volkswagen vehicle located near a shooting range in Kapan, Syunik region, with an individual deceased from an explosion caused by a shell.

In connection with the incident, the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has initiated a criminal case under Article 335, Part 1 (illegal acquisition, sale, storage, transportation, delivery, or carrying of firearms, their main components, military ammunition, explosive substances, or explosive devices) and Article 337, Part 1 (failure to comply with or improperly complying with the duty of storing weapons, ammunition, explosive substances, or explosive devices).

Preliminary information indicates that on the same day, a 64-year-old man went to the shooting range area of Military Unit N to accept his shift. He collected aluminum fragments of fired cartridges for the purpose of surrendering them as scrap metal. Among these fragments was an unexploded shell, which, when dismantled, caused an explosion, resulting in the man sustaining fatal injuries.

During the investigation, it was established that the crime scene is a field area adjacent to the shooting range, situated to the north of the range itself. An inspection of the scene uncovered the aforementioned Volkswagen vehicle with damage, metal parts resembling a shell, and a metallic detail resembling a shell core. The body of the man was found near the vehicle.

Forensic and forensic examinations of the body have been initiated. To clarify the circumstances of the incident, the relevant department of the Police of the Republic of Armenia has been instructed to carry out operational and investigative measures. The investigation is ongoing, and all necessary measures are being taken to comprehensively clarify all circumstances of the incident.

Note: A person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until their guilt is proven in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, with a legally binding court verdict.