Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan today expressed his condolences to the victims of a car collision that claimed the lives of seven people.

In the early evening on November 10 a serious car accident occurred along the Yerevan-Gyumri highway at the main intersection in the village of Horom, where a Gazelle minibus collided with a Kamaz utility vehicle. As a result, the Gazelle exploded.

The press division of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia confirmed that the Gazelle was carrying 14 passengers. Seven of them died on the scene while the remaining wounded were transported to a nearly medical center. One of the injured is 14 years old.

“I was very sorry to learn about the tragic accident that took place along the Yerevan-Gyumri highway claiming innocent lives,” President Sargsyan said in his condolence message. “I want to extend my sincere condolences to the victims of the crash and wish them both patience and perseverance. I also wish the wounded a speedy recovery.”

An investigative unit was immediately dispatched to perform an inquiry. The Shirak Provincial Investigative Commission conducted the investigation per Article 242 of the Armenian Criminal Code.

The driver of the Kamaz, M. Vardanyan, was arrested. All the necessary measures are being undertaken to determine the cause of the incident.

“I am sure that the law enforcement agencies will perform a thorough investigation and will reveal all the reasons for this tragic incident, and that those responsible will be strictly punished under law,” the president said.