Investigative Committee Provides Details on Explosion at Metallurgical Plant

The Investigative Committee has released a statement: ‘On September 10, 2024, at 16:59, a report was received regarding an explosion at the metallurgical plant in the area of the “Hrazdan Thermal Power Plant,” and there were injured individuals. As a result of necessary measures taken, preliminary information has been gathered indicating that around 16:45 on September 10, 2024, an explosion occurred due to an air container at the metallurgical plant adjacent to the “Hrazdan Thermal Power Plant,” resulting in bodily injuries to six individuals, who are employees of the operating company of the facility. One of these individuals, a 46-year-old resident of Hrazdan, died after failing to regain consciousness at the medical center.

In connection with the incident, a criminal case has been initiated at the Kotayk regional investigative department of the RA Investigative Committee based on Article 355, Part 2 of the RA Criminal Code, and an investigative team has been tasked with conducting the preliminary investigation.

During the preliminary investigation, an examination of the scene was conducted. The aforementioned six individuals have been recognized as victims. Two of the victims have been questioned, while necessary investigative actions could not be taken with the other three due to their health conditions. Forensic examinations of the body have been scheduled, alongside forensic-technical, explosive and trace evidence examinations.

The preliminary investigation is ongoing. Urgent investigative and procedural actions are being carried out to clarify all circumstances of the incident, including the causes of the explosion and the state of compliance with the established safety requirements in the facility.