![]() The explosion in a gasoline warehouse | |
Date | 25 September 2023 |
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Time | c. 19:00 (UTC+4) |
Location | Berkadzor, Nagorno-Karabakh |
Type | Explosion |
Deaths | 220 |
Non-fatal injuries | 300 |
Missing | 60 |
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 220 people and 300 injuries.[1][2]
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.[3] After the offensive, petrol stations became overwhelmed by the volume of people seeking to leave the region.[4] At the moment of the explosion, hundreds of people were gathered at the station.[5]
Following the explosion, nearly 300 people were admitted to hospitals.[4] 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.[4]
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][better source 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.[5]
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey expressed condolences regarding the explosion and Turkey's readiness to provide assistance.[7][8]