The death toll from a massive explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh on Monday has tragically risen to at least 170 people, a significant increase from the earlier estimate of 68 deaths by authorities.
Remains recovered from the blast site will be sent to Armenia for identification through DNA analysis.
The explosion occurred as ethnic Armenians were desperately trying to leave the territory following its surrender to Azerbaijan. The cause of the explosion near the main city of Khankendi remains unclear.
Hospitals in Nagorno-Karabakh, already grappling with severe shortages of medical supplies due to an effective blockade since December 2022, struggled to treat the 290 people injured in the blast.
Some of the injured were evacuated by Armenian helicopters.
A mass exodus of ethnic Armenians has occurred since leaders signed a ceasefire agreement with Azerbaijan. Armenia reports that 88,780 out of an estimated 120,000 ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh have fled so far.
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has expressed concern, warning that the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh could be displaced.
Tens of thousands arriving in Armenia are described as anxious, scared, and seeking answers, according to UNHCR Armenia representative Kavita Belani.
