A devastating explosion occurred at a university facility in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, resulting in one fatality and three injuries, as reported by the authorities.
The incident took place on Friday in the basement of the chemistry department at Yerevan State University, according to the Interior Ministry.
Among the injured, health officials noted that one individual was critically wounded, suffering from severe burns and other injuries.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion is currently underway.
Yerevan State University, where the incident happened, is a prominent educational institution in Armenia. Established in 1919, it is the oldest university in the country and plays a crucial role in Armenian higher education.
The chemistry department, in particular, is an essential part of the university, known for its research and academic contributions in the field.
Incidents like this in educational settings, especially involving potentially hazardous materials like those found in a chemistry lab, underscore the importance of stringent safety protocols and emergency response preparedness in academic institutions.
Earlier this month, Armenia took a significant step in strengthening its military capabilities by receiving the first batch of Bastion armored vehicles from the French defense company Arquus, previously known as Renault Trucks Defense.
The announcement of this delivery was made by journalist and analyst Leonid Nersisyan on Sunday, November 12, accompanied by photographs of the armored vehicles spotted at the Georgian port of Poti, en route to Armenia.
The Bastion vehicles are particularly significant due to their initial intended delivery to Ukraine in 2022. However, Kyiv had found them inadequate against artillery fire and anti-tank missiles, leading to Armenia’s acquisition.
In a visit to Yerevan on October 3, French diplomatic head Catherine Colonna confirmed Paris’s agreement to supply military equipment to Armenia. She stated during a press conference, “France has given its approval for future contracts with Armenia, enabling the delivery of military equipment for its defense capabilities.”
