Stepanakert Fuel Depot Explosion: Investigative Committee Reports Death Toll of 218

The aftermath of the devastating explosion at the Stepanakert fuel depot on September 25 has been marked by tragic and sobering statistics, as revealed by the Investigative Committee of Armenia. According to their recent report, the explosion claimed the lives of 218 individuals, leaving a profound impact on the forcibly displaced population of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh).

Among the deceased, two were employees from the Nagorno Karabakh police forces who were on duty at the depot at the time of the explosion. Additionally, the tragedy also claimed the lives of 31 servicemen, exacerbating the magnitude of the loss.

The catastrophic explosion, followed by an intense fire, resulted in severe physical injuries for at least 120 individuals, predominantly in the form of burns. Furthermore, the aftermath has left 21 people unaccounted for, adding to the distressing uncertainties surrounding the incident.

The identification process has been an arduous task, with forensic genetic examinations enabling the determination of the identities of 138 of the deceased individuals. However, the identities of three individuals remain yet to be established, adding to the complexity and challenges faced in the aftermath of the tragic event.