Barracks fire in Gegharkunik kills 15 soldiers

A fire broke out overnight on 19 January in a barracks of a military unit near the village of Azat in Gegharkunik Province. Armenia's Defence Ministry reported that 15 conscripts were killed and several more were hospitalised.

The causes of the fire are being established. The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case, and the leadership of the Defence Ministry and investigators travelled to the scene.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan offered condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a comprehensive investigation.

The injured have been taken to Yerevan, some of them in serious condition. The Defence Ministry promised to support the families of those killed.