Berkadzor fuel depot explosion

On 25 September 2023, at about 19:00 (UTC+4), an explosion at a filling station in Berkadzor near Stepanakert, in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, resulted in the deaths of at least 170 people and 300 injuries.[1][2][3]

Berkadzor fuel depot explosion
The explosion in a gasoline warehouse
Date25 September 2023 (2023-09-25)
Timec. 19:00 (UTC+4)
LocationBerkadzor, Nagorno-Karabakh
TypeExplosion
Deaths170
Non-fatal injuries300
Missing60

Explosion

The 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.[2] At the moment of the explosion, hundreds of people were gathered at the station.[5]

Reactions

Following the explosion, nearly 300 people were admitted to hospitals.[2] 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.[6] Azerbaijan also sent medical supplies.[2]

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.[5]

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.[5]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey expressed condolences regarding the explosion and Turkey's readiness to provide assistance.[7][8]

References
  1. "Fuel tank explodes near Stepanakert, there are reports about casualties and wounded". News.am. Archived from the original on 27 September 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  2. "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.
  3. "Death toll from fuel depot blast in Karabakh rises to 170, Armenpress reports". Reuters. 29 September 2023. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  4. "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.
  5. Staff, Al Jazeera. "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.
  6. 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.
  7. "No: 236, 27 September 2023, Press Release Regarding the Explosion at a Gas Station in Khankendi". Turkey MFA. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  8. "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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