On September 25, 2023, a massive explosion occurred at a fuel depot in Berkadzor, located along the Stepanakert-Askeran road. At the time of the explosion, hundreds of Artsakh residents were waiting in line to receive fuel to facilitate their evacuation. The explosion claimed the lives of 218 people, left hundreds injured, and the fate of 23 individuals remains unknown.
The cause of the explosion is still undetermined. Azerbaijan has not conducted any investigative actions regarding the incident, nor has it carried out proper searches for the missing Armenians. By failing to investigate, Azerbaijan has neglected its legal obligations. Leading up to the explosion, Azerbaijan had committed severe human rights violations, including a blockade lasting over nine months, restricting access to basic necessities (such as food and fuel supplies), and engaging in unlawful warfare. These ongoing violations culminated in the tragic explosion on September 25.
Azerbaijan has full control over the territory of the Republic of Artsakh, access to the explosion site, and the ability to process submitted DNA samples necessary for identifying the missing individuals. By not taking appropriate measures to locate the missing persons or provide information about their fate, Azerbaijan is violating international human rights law. Families are being denied their right to know the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones. Azerbaijan is obligated to provide all available information.
The Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights, in collaboration with the International and Comparative Law Center (ICLaw), has documented the stories of those who went missing as a result of the explosion and prepared a report to be sent to international organizations. This report aims to generate international pressure on Azerbaijan to fulfill its obligations under international law and take meaningful steps to locate the 23 missing individuals.
The report serves as a unified informational resource, providing verified data about the lives of the missing persons and the circumstances surrounding the explosion. It calls on Azerbaijan to disclose all available information about the missing individuals to aid in the search and rescue efforts. By withholding such information, Azerbaijan is obstructing the natural course of the search operations, violating international law, and prolonging the suffering of families who have a right to at least know the fate of their relatives.
Due to the panic-stricken atmosphere in Artsakh during that period, many pieces of evidence and videos containing critical information about the victims of the explosion were lost/deleted, creating a significant scarcity of information. However, both local and international media outlets covered the explosion extensively.
International news agencies such as the Associated Press, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), The Guardian, BBC, and Al Jazeera reported on the incident shortly after it occurred. These outlets published videos and photographs, as well as detailed accounts of the conditions in Artsakh leading up to the explosion.
The Armenian media also provided substantial coverage of the incident. Outlets such as Hetq, Civilnet, News.am, Radio Liberty, as well as dozens of other Armenian media outlets covered the gasoline warehouse explosion, its consequences, and further developments. This information is also included in the report.