Azerbaijan: Gas warehouse explosion near Stepanakert causes at least 200 casualties late Sept. 25

Event

Authorities continue to respond after an explosion at a gas warehouse near Stepanakert (Khankendi), which killed or injured at least 200 individuals in the late evening of Sept. 25. The blast, which took place on the Stepanakert-Askeran highway, reportedly occurred while motorists attempting to flee Nagorno-Karabakh were gathered to pick up gasoline. The cause of the explosion, its exact location, and precise casualty figures remain uncertain. Authorities will likely update casualty figures in the coming hours and days.

Heightened security is ongoing near the explosion site and will likely continue through the night. Travel between Askeran and Stepanakert is likely severely disrupted.

Advice

Avoid the Stepanakert-Askeran highway. Allow additional time if traveling near the affected area. Strictly heed all instructions from authorities.