On 25 September 2023, at about 19:00 (UTC+4), an explosion at a military fuel depot in Berkadzor near Stepanakert, in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, resulting in the deaths of at least 218 people and 120 injuries.[1][2][3] The explosion occurred amidst the chaotic exodus of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, following a major military offensive launched by Azerbaijan against the unrecognized Republic of Artsakh.
 The explosion in a gasoline warehouse | |
| Date | 25 September 2023 |
|---|---|
| Time | c. 19:00 (UTC+4) |
| Location | Berkadzor, Nagorno-Karabakh |
| Type | Explosion |
| Deaths | 218 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 120+ |
| Missing | 21 |
Explosion
editThe explosion occurred during the mass exodus of thousands of ethnic Armenians from the region, following Azerbaijan's large-scale military offensive launched a week earlier against the self-declared Republic of Artsakh. Prior to the offensive, the region had been subjected to a months-long blockade by Azerbaijan, causing shortages of essential supplies, including fuel.[4] After the offensive, petrol stations became overwhelmed by the volume of people seeking to leave the region.[5] At the moment of the explosion, hundreds of people were gathered at the fuel depot.[6]
Samvel Shahramanyan, the president of the de-facto Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, said that the blast was caused by a violation of safety rules in the underground depot that was used for storage of gasoline for the local military.[7][8]
Reactions
editFollowing the explosion, nearly 300 people were admitted to hospitals.[5] Local authorities requested urgent medical aid from Armenia, citing Stepanakert's local strained hospitals being unable to provide adequate care. Armenia initiated an airlift using helicopters, sending doctors to the region and evacuating injured patients to Armenia.[9] Azerbaijan also sent medical supplies.[5]
According to Al Jazeera's correspondent in the Azerbaijani city of Horadiz, local hospitals in Azerbaijan were prepared, and negotiations began for evacuating the injured, but representatives of the Armenian residents of Nagorno-Karabakh declined the proposal.[6][verification needed]
Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the United States National Security Council, offered condolences for the victims and urged the need for humanitarian access to the region.[6]
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey expressed condolences regarding the explosion and Turkey's readiness to provide assistance.[10][11]
References
edit- ^ "Число погибших при взрыве около Степанакерта превысило 200". Kavkazsky Uzel (in Russian). 14 October 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ^ "Dozens Reported Dead During Karabakh Exodus". Azatutyun Radio. 30 October 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ^ "Investigative Committee puts the death toll of Stepanakert fuel depot explosion at 218". Public Radio of Armenia. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
- ^ "Dozens dead in gas station explosion as Nagorno-Karabakh residents flee to Armenia". AP News. 26 September 2023. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ a b c "Nagorno-Karabakh: Fuel depot blast kills 20 as refugee count rises". BBC News. 26 September 2023. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
- ^ a b c Al Jazeera Staff. "Death toll rises in Nagorno-Karabakh fuel depot blast as thousands flee". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
- ^ Khulian, Artak (22 December 2023). "218 Confirmed Dead In Karabakh Fuel Depot Blast". «Ազատ Եվրոպա/Ազատություն» ռադիոկայան. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ "Шахраманян: Взрыв был на складе АО Арцаха, топливо хранили для военных действий". news.am (in Russian). 27 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Hovsepian, Tigran; Stepanian, Ruzanna; Zargarian, Robert (26 September 2023). "Armenian Medics Rushed To Karabakh After Deadly Blast". «Ազատ Եվրոպա/Ազատություն» ռադիոկայան (in Armenian). Archived from the original on 28 September 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ "No: 236, 27 September 2023, Press Release Regarding the Explosion at a Gas Station in Khankendi". Turkey MFA. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
- ^ "Statement by Turkish Foreign Ministry regarding explosion in Khankandi: 'We are ready to provide assistance'". Report News Agency. 27 September 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
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