British Ambassador to Armenia expresses condolences to families of 15 servicemen who died in fire

YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. British Ambassador to Armenia John Gallagher expressed deepest condolences to the families of the 15 Armenian servicemen who died in the January 19 fire in the village of Azat.

“Very sad news about the fire in Azat, Gegharkunik province which took the lives of 15 servicemen. My deepest condolences to their loved ones,” the British Ambassador tweeted.

According to preliminary information the fire was caused accidentally, when a serviceman was trying to start a heater using gasoline. 15 servicemen died and three others were injured in the blaze in the barracks.

A criminal case has been initiated on aggravated violation of safety rules with hazardous materials which negligently caused multiple deaths. Clear instructions had been issued to the military, banning flammable substances including gasoline for heating purposes.