A bridge on the Yerevan–Sevan highway near the town of Charentsavan was damaged by a lightning strike on Thursday evening, disrupting traffic on one of Armenia’s busiest roads.
According to Armenia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, an emergency call was received by the 112 Operational Management Center at 7:26 p.m. reporting that a bridge had partially collapsed after being struck by lightning.
Rescue Service and Police personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Preliminary reports indicate that three vehicles were damaged in the incident. Emergency responders and law enforcement officers are currently carrying out operations at the site.
Traffic along the affected section of the highway is being managed in a single lane, with vehicles traveling alternately in opposite directions.
Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan said that road-clearing operations are underway and that the bridge sustained damage as a result of the lightning strike.
He added that following the completion of the necessary technical assessments, the Road Department Foundation of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure will launch major rehabilitation works on the bridge within a short timeframe.
Authorities have not reported any casualties.
