As previously reported by the Prosecutor General’s Office, on August 17, 2023, public criminal prosecution was initiated against H.P. — the driver involved in the traffic accident that occurred near the village of Lanjik on August 14, 2023 — under part 3 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia (violation of road traffic safety requirements or vehicle operation rules, which negligently caused the death of two or more persons).

The criminal investigation revealed that on August 14, 2023, at about 12:20 a.m., H.P., while driving a “ZIL-MMZ-554M” vehicle, violated traffic regulations by veering into the oncoming lane. As a result, a collision occurred with the vehicle “Volkswagen Crafter”, negligently causing the deaths of 12 people and causing grave, life-threatening injuries to 4 others.

On May 31, 2024, the prosecutor submitted the case materials, along with an approved indictment, to the First Instance Court of General Jurisdiction of Shirak Region.

By the verdict of October 20, 2025, the court found H.P. guilty under part 3 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code. He was sentenced to 7 years and 4 months of imprisonment.

Notice:  A person charged with any crime shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty in the manner prescribed by the RA Criminal Procedure Code—by the judgment came into legal force.