One Year After Artsakh Fuel Depot Explosion: 238 Dead, 22 Still Missing

A year has passed since the deadly explosion at a gasoline depot near the Stepanakert-Askeran motorway in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, also known as Artsakh. The tragic event on September 25, 2023, claimed the lives of 238 people, with 22 others still missing, their fate unknown. The explosion remains a haunting memory for the people of Artsakh, marking yet another dark chapter in the region's history.

The explosion occurred during a chaotic and desperate time in Nagorno-Karabakh. The region had been under a months-long blockade by Azerbaijan, leading to severe shortages of essential supplies, including food and fuel. Just a week before the explosion, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale military offensive against the Republic of Artsakh, forcing thousands of ethnic Armenians to flee their homes and seek refuge in Armenia. 

As families and individuals rushed to escape, fuel stations were overwhelmed with crowds trying to fill their vehicles. The pressure of the mass exodus, combined with the scarcity of fuel, led many to gather at a depot in Berkadzor, near Stepanakert. Then, around 7:00 PM local time, disaster struck. A violent explosion ripped through the fuel depot, igniting a fire that would leave hundreds dead and many more injured.

Among the casualties were people from all walks of life—war veterans who had survived multiple conflicts, elderly individuals, women, and children. Many who had endured years of hardship, including war and displacement, perished in the flames. Despite the desperate efforts of emergency responders, 22 people remain missing, and their whereabouts remain a mystery one year later.

The tragic explosion has left a permanent scar on the people of Artsakh. A year full of pain, suffering, and unspeakable difficulties. September 25, with its never-healing wounds, will forever remain a constant companion for the people of Artsakh. 

In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, authorities and experts sought to understand what caused the catastrophe. Samvel Shahramanyan, the president of the de-facto Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, attributed the explosion to safety violations at the underground depot, which had been storing gasoline for the local military.

He explained that the depot was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people trying to secure fuel for their escape, leading to unsafe conditions that resulted in the explosion.

The investigation into the incident confirmed that the explosion was likely caused by the rapid and unsafe handling of gasoline, exacerbated by the frantic efforts to flee the region. However, many in Artsakh believe that the tragedy was a direct consequence of the blockade and the military offensive launched by Azerbaijan. The region's lack of access to essential supplies had created a volatile situation, ultimately culminating in the explosion that claimed so many lives.

For the survivors and the families of the victims, the pain of that day lingers. Many of those who were injured in the blast continue to face challenges in their recovery, both physically and emotionally. Some have been left with life-altering injuries, struggling to regain a sense of normalcy after the trauma they experienced. For others, the loss of loved ones remains an open wound, especially for those still searching for answers about the 22 missing individuals.

On the anniversary of the explosion, Armenia and its diaspora pause to honor the memory of those who lost their lives. Ceremonies were held in remembrance of the 238 victims, and prayers were offered for the 22 still missing. Families, friends, and fellow citizens gathered to reflect on the lives lost and the hardships faced over the past year.