Yerevan, March 16 – A traffic accident at the Komitas-Vagharshyan intersection on Monday morning caused significant disruption, prompting a sharp reaction from opposition faction MP Artur Khachatryan. The incident, involving a bus and a car, resulted in over half an hour of severe congestion, with vehicles unable to be removed promptly from the roadway.
MP Khachatryan Questions Authorities on Delayed Response
MP Artur Khachatryan took to social media to express his frustration and question the effectiveness of the city’s emergency response protocols. He highlighted that the Komitas, Kasyan, Orbeli streets, and Baghramyan Avenue were all heavily jammed due to the accident.
“It took more than half an hour to get from Komitas-Vagharshyan intersection to Baghramyan (Posi school) due to this accident. Komitas, Kasyan, Orbeli streets, and Baghramyan Avenue were all jammed. Ten minutes ago (8:35 AM), the bus and car had still not been removed,” Khachatryan wrote in his post.
He directly addressed Yerevan City Hall and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoI) of the Republic of Armenia, asking, “Is this normal? According to the law adopted by the National Assembly, vehicles should be removed within 20 minutes to avoid obstructing traffic.”
Details of the Incident and Traffic Impact
The accident occurred on Monday morning, a peak commuting time, exacerbating the impact on Yerevan’s already busy road network. The inability to clear the accident scene within the stipulated legal timeframe led to widespread frustration among commuters.
The affected areas included major arteries, causing ripple effects across the city’s transport system. Drivers reported significant delays, with some spending over 30 minutes to cover distances that typically take a few minutes.
Official Response and Legal Framework
The law cited by MP Khachatryan mandates the swift removal of vehicles involved in accidents to ensure minimal disruption to traffic flow. This regulation is designed to prevent prolonged congestion and facilitate the smooth movement of public and private transport.
As of the time of the report, there has been no official statement from Yerevan City Hall or the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding MP Khachatryan’s criticisms or the specifics of the accident clearance operation. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in urban traffic management and emergency response in Yerevan.
The public awaits clarification from the relevant authorities on why the vehicles were not removed within the legal 20-minute timeframe and what measures will be taken to prevent similar prolonged disruptions in the future.
This event is part of a broader discussion in Yerevan concerning urban infrastructure, traffic control, and the efficiency of public services. Citizens frequently voice concerns about traffic conditions, especially during peak hours and in the aftermath of incidents.
Wider Implications for Yerevan’s Traffic Management
The incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for efficient and timely accident response mechanisms in a rapidly growing urban center like Yerevan. Effective traffic management is crucial not only for daily commuting but also for the overall economic and social well-being of the city.
The call from a prominent MP like Artur Khachatryan is likely to put pressure on the municipal and national authorities to review and potentially revise their protocols for handling traffic accidents, ensuring adherence to existing laws and improving overall response times.
Source: Artur Khachatryan’s social media post
