"The soldiers were involved in an accident with a vehicle that should not have been in operation, resulting in the death of one soldier. This incident... this incident also highlights the systemic significance of our problems." This was stated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a conversation with journalists regarding the accident involving soldiers.
The Prime Minister drew parallels with the period of the establishment of the Patrol Service, recalling that there had been calls from various locations requesting leniency regarding vehicle inspections or license plate requirements for vehicles transporting hay in rural areas, but the government did not concede.
The Prime Minister added that all circumstances of the incident, including the reasons for the soldiers being outside, must be clarified.
On August 19, an accident occurred on the Chambarak-Vahan road, and a criminal case was initiated under Articles 342, parts 1 and 4 of the Criminal Code (violating requirements aimed at ensuring road safety or rules ensuring the safety of road traffic or the operation of vehicles).
The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia informed "Armenian Times" that the driver of the vehicle has been arrested.
"The preliminary investigation is ongoing, and urgent investigative and procedural actions are being carried out," the Investigative Committee clarified.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia reported that on August 19, around 21:00, on the road leading to the city of Chambarak, under still unclear circumstances, a vehicle of the brand "GAZ-53" driven by a citizen hit several servicemen, one of whom, soldier Suren Mambray Vardanian, died.
An investigation is underway to fully clarify the circumstances of the incident.
"The Ministry of Defense expresses condolences and support to the family members and relatives of the deceased serviceman."
Other servicemen (their families have been notified of the incident in accordance with established procedures) were taken to a military hospital, their lives are not in danger, and they are under the supervision of the hospital's medical staff," the Ministry of Defense's statement said.
