14:33,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. The director of the Surmalu trade center of Yerevan has been arrested in the ongoing criminal investigation into the August 14, 2022 deadly explosion at the trade center’s warehouse.

Surmalu director Irina Madatova has been taken into custody, the Office of the Prosecutor-General told ARMENPRESS.

4 people, including the trade center’s deputy director are facing criminal charges in the investigation.

Authorities had earlier said that fire safety violations and illegal storage of pyrotechnics were the cause of the fire and subsequent explosion.

The August 14, 2022 explosion in Surmalu trade center killed 16 people and injured over 60 others.