Bus explosion in Armenian capital kills two

A bus explosion in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, on Monday killed two Armenians and reportedly injured at least seven others. Deputy Head of the rescue service at the Ministry of Emergency Situations Major-General Grigoryan said the blast was reported on Monday at 10:00pm.

Armenia’s Health Minister, Armen Muradyan, told Armenia’s News.am the seven injured people were transported to a nearby Armenian medical centre soon after they were removed from the vehicle. One passenger was revealed to be pregnant, and at least five others are in critical condition. The identities of the two people killed are still unknown.

According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, witnesses said the explosion was so strong the blast destroyed nearby houses’ windows, and others reported they could hear the explosion from miles away. A statement issued by Armenian President Serzh Sarkasian said, “We order police to step up security and patrol services,” and added, “The Ministry of Health is taking necessary measures to provide medical assistance to wounded persons.”

While authorities are still investigating the incident, RT reported the Emergencies Ministry has ruled out certain causes, such as gas explosions, as the bus operated on diesel fuel. While it was initially speculated that the explosion could have been a terrorist attack, CTV News said that Sona Truzyan of the investigate committee has ruled out this possibility. Truzyen reported that the committee is currently investigating a suspect who was involved in a domestic dispute. According to CTV News, an investigator told the Associated Press that the suspect had argued with relatives and threatened to hand them an explosive device. The investigator said the device could have detonated while on the bus.

Sputnik News said that the suspect’s telephone sim card was recovered from the scene, which prompted a raid of his home. A detonator, TNT and other electronics were found at the residence, and evidence of TNT was discovered on the bus.

According to a chronological rundown of Turkish terrorism by the Assembly of Turkish American Associations, bomb attacks have occurred against the Armenians in the past, but a 2016 study by Numbeo says Armenia has the 93rd highest crime rate in the word. It’s behind a number of other countries, such as the United States, Japan, many European countries and more. Armenian OSAC crime statistics from 2013, 2014, and 2015 show Armenia’s overall crime and safety situation has remained steady over the years, and researchers found Armenian crime has not increased or declined significantly.

Armenpress said that the investigation is still ongoing and that the General Prosecutor’s Office of Armenia will regularly provide updates to the public.