Criminal Proceedings Initiated in Connection with the Death of 2 Soldiers Due to Explosion

Criminal proceedings have been initiated regarding the deaths of two soldiers as a result of an explosion that occurred during engineering work on a section of the road leading to the combat positions of the RA Ministry of Defense's military unit N in the southeastern border zone of Armenia, according to the Investigative Committee.

The proceedings have been initiated based on Article 532, Part 4 of the RA Criminal Code, which concerns violations of rules for handling weapons, military ammunition, military equipment, or other dangerous materials, devices, or objects that have resulted in the unintentional deaths of two or more individuals.

It was reported that on September 2, 2023, at approximately 17:30, during rock blasting for engineering work in the southeastern border zone of Armenia, the explosion resulted in the deaths of Major Arman Rubik Babajanyan and Private Arthur Hayk Poghosyan, both of whom served in the same unit.

The Investigative Committee also reports that investigative and procedural necessary actions have been carried out during the pre-investigation phase, including site inspections, interrogations, examinations, and several expert assessments, including forensic medical examinations. The pre-investigation continues, and measures are being taken to clarify all circumstances of the incident.