Investigators Provide New Details on Tragic Accident Claiming Lives of Three Family Members

A search has been announced for the driver of a BMW X3 involved in a car crash that claimed the lives of a young couple and their 7-year-old son in the Shirak region. The information was reported by the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

As previously reported, on July 26, around 01:30, two vehicles collided on a 15 km stretch of the Gyumri-Vanadzor highway, specifically in the Jajur twists. The vehicles involved were a BMW X3 driven by 41-year-old A. Tonoyan from Shirak region and a Honda Fit driven by 31-year-old N. Mkrtchyan from Lori region.

As a result of the accident, N. Mkrtchyan and his wife, 31-year-old N. Shmoyan, died at the scene, while their 7-year-old son D. Mkrtchyan was transported in critical condition to the Austrian Hospital for Mothers and Children in Gyumri, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the BMW X3 fled the scene. Investigative actions have revealed several circumstances surrounding the accident, including the identity of the BMW driver. Evidence gathered during the investigation indicated that the driver of the BMW X3 committed traffic violations while operating the vehicle on that road segment.

Failing to adhere to traffic regulations, the driver did not keep right despite a solid line and crossed it, entering oncoming traffic, which resulted in a collision with the approaching Honda Fit, causing the deaths of three individuals.

During the pre-trial investigation, information was obtained indicating that the BMW X3 driver crossed the borders of Armenia. Based on sufficient evidence, public criminal prosecution has been initiated against him under the third part of Article 342 of the Criminal Code of Armenia.

A decision has been made regarding his arrest, and a motion has been submitted to the court for the selection of arrest as a preventive measure, which has been granted, and a wanted notice has been issued against him,” the statement indicated.

The investigation is ongoing, and the circumstances surrounding the BMW X3 driver leaving the scene are also being clarified. Additionally, police have received a separate report that a substance resembling marijuana was found in the passenger area of the crashed BMW X3, which, according to preliminary information, belonged to a passenger present at the time of the incident. A separate criminal proceeding has been initiated regarding this matter, and a corresponding examination has been appointed to determine the nature and weight of the substance.