Authorities said on Thursday that a criminal investigation into suspected arson has been launched in connection with the massive fire at the abandoned 4-storey Kanaz Culture Center building at 19 Azatutyun Street, Yerevan.

Multiple firefighting teams were dispatched to the building after a 911 call was made at 19:12. The fire was extinguished around midnight. Nearby residential buildings were evacuated as a precaution. No one was hurt in the fire. 

“A criminal case has been initiated regarding the fire that broke out on Azatutyun Avenue under Article 264, Part 2, Point 2 of the Criminal Code (destruction or damage of property committed by arson, explosion, or other generally dangerous method). A preliminary investigation is underway. Comprehensive examinations have been appointed,” the Investigative Committee said.