Authorities open criminal case regarding YSU blast

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. The Investigative Committee opened a criminal investigation into the deadly explosion that occurred in the basement of the Chemistry Faculty of Yerevan State University on November 17.

In a statement, the law enforcement agency said the victim of the blast who died was 73 years old. It did not release the victims’ identities. His body was found in the basement where the fire and blast occurred.

Three others, including a responding police officer, were injured.

The police officer is hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The two other victims, who the YSU identified as their workers, 70 and 66 years old, are being treated for burns at a hospital.

The criminal investigation was opened under paragraph 2, article 355 of the Criminal Code (aggravated violation of safety requirements in construction or other works leading to death or serious injury), as well as paragraph 2, article 357 (aggravated violation of fire safety requirements leading to death or serious injury).

Investigators are working at the scene.