CHEMICAL PLANT EXPLOSION IN YEREVAN, MAY 14

US State News
June 22, 2009 Monday 5:13 PM EST

YEREVAN, Armenia, May 15 — The U.S. Embassy issued the following
press release:

As most residents of Yerevan are aware, a series of explosions on
May 14, 2009 at the Nairit chemical plant in Yerevan resulted in
the tragic deaths of several workers and a significant number of
injuries. There was some initial concern that the fire caused by
the explosions resulted in toxic substances being released into
the air, thus creating a danger for residents of the city. The
U.S. Embassy Yerevan has been in close contact with the Armenian
police and officials from the Ministry of Health to discuss these
concerns. These officials have assured us that there is no danger to
the community. We also asked local authorities to assess the potential
risks given the substances that the Embassy understands were being
produced at the plant. Based on the initial information we received,
it appears that the only significant health risks would be faced by
those in the immediate vicinity of the fire. Others who were not
in the immediate vicinity could experience minor symptoms such as
watery eyes or respiratory irritation, but are not at significant
risk. The U.S. Embassy Yerevan will continue to monitor the situation,
and provide further information as necessary. Americans traveling
abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website, and
the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website,
, where the current Worldwide Caution,
Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can
be found.

The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens
to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at
ty_1747.html ,
which includes valuable security information for those both
living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the
Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security
conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and
Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at
1-202-501-4444. The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan is located at 1 American
Avenue, tel. 10-46-47-00 and fax 10-46-47-42. The Consular Section
is open from 9:00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m., with time reserved for
American citizen services from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except for official U.S. Embassy holidays. For more
information, see the Embassy’s website at the Embassy’s website at
more information please contact:
Sarabjit Jagirdar, Email:- htsyndication@hindustantimes.com