Yerevan substation fire investigated as possible arson

Armenian authorities have launched a criminal proceeding into a fire that broke out at an electrical substation on Tsitsernakaberd Highway in Yerevan on Sunday, indicating that arson is among the possible causes being investigated.

The fire, which broke out at 17:07, took more than four hours to extinguish, with thick smoke visible across the city.

The criminal proceeding was initiated under Article 264, Part 2, Clauses 2 and 6 of Armenia’s Criminal Code, which concerns destroying or damaging property by arson, explosion or another generally dangerous method, causing particularly large-scale property damage.

The Investigative Committee said in a statement that an investigative group has been formed and the necessary investigative and procedural actions are underway.