On September 1, at 10:00 am, the Regional Crisis Management Center received information that on 31 August, from 9:30 pm to 7:50 am, 11 citizens were hospitalized in various hospital complexes with symptoms of exogenous (methyl alcohol) poisoning.

Gagik N. (born in 1959), Rubik Z. (born in 1951), Gagik S. (born in 1967), Movses H. (born in 1962), Aleksan A. (born in 1966), Rafik B. (born in 1965), Anushavan G. (born in 1962), Stepan G. (born in 1968), Hamlet A. (born in 1971), Karen G. (born in 1965), Matevos S. (born in 1951).

According to the preliminary information, Gagik N., Gagik S., Movses H., Alexan A., Rafik B. and Hamlet A. died, the health condition of the others was assessed by the doctors as severe.

The Ministry of Health later said that a preliminary epidemiological examination had revealed that one of the 11 deaths previously reported had been denied because the latter had died of another cause.

Work is currently underway to identify the range of alcohol users and take preventive measures.

The Investigative Committee found out that a number of residents of the city of Armavir had acquired alcoholic beverages of unknown origin, which did not meet the requirements of consumers’ life and health safety.

As a result of the measures taken, Ashot Lendrush Hovsepyan, born in 1970, a resident of Armavir, was arrested on suspicion of selling goods that did not meet safety requirements.

We urge all the citizens who bought alcohol from the above-mentioned person not to use it – apply to the Armavir Regional Investigation Department of the RA Investigation Committee.

Note: A person that is suspected or accused of an alleged crime is considered innocent until his/her guilt is proved by a court judgment that has come into legal effect pursuant to the procedure determined by RA Criminal Procedure Code.

The Health Ministry informs that at the moment, according to preliminary data, there are 11 deaths form “alcohol intoxication”.

Notably, a criminal case has already been inquired into the incident.