According to preliminary investigation, the building has collapsed as a result of violation of the norms and safety rules of construction.

Press services of Azerbaijani Emergencies Ministry, Interior Ministry and General Prosecutor made a joint statement on the collapse of the high-rise building in the Yasamal district of Baku, 185, Murtuza Mukhtarov Street, which happened about 18.00 pm on 28 August.

As stated, the “Mutafakkir” Construction Company built the 15-storey building. As a result, five builders - Emin Babayev, Aydin Ahmadov, Arzu Mammadov, Arif and Habil Feyziyevs died, four - Azizaga Akhundov, Ibrahim Ibrahimov, Ramil Nazarov and Rauf Aliyev were injured. The buildings and people nearby also were damaged. Officials of Emergencies Ministry, Interior Ministry, Health Ministry, General Prosecutor’s Office and other related bodies were at the site immediately and with participation of experts investigation was launched to the case.

Urgent measures for relief and recovery have been ensured. Baku Prosecutor’s Office launched criminal case on the fact under articles 222.2 and 222.1.2 (causing death and other serious results by violating safety rules of construction and constructing a building without permission of relevant executive bodies) of the CC. The investigation group comprising experts of Prosecutor’s Office, Emergencies Ministry and Interior Ministry has been set up.

According to preliminary investigation, head of Baku Executive Power with the order given on November 30, 1994 allotted the venue to Azerbaijan Industry Investment and Joint Stock Commercial Bank and “Mutafakkir” Company for constructing a building and it was formalized to the name of “Mutafakkir” Construction Company.

Though the order warranted only projection of the construction, director general of “Mutafakkir” Construction Company Muradov Ali Mohammad oglu violated the law seriously and started construction of the building since 2002 without permission of related bodies. As customer of the building, Ali Muradov, who was responsible for ensuring safety during the construction, the Company’s engineer Asgar Aliyev, executives Farhad Hasanov and Gadir Salimov did not conclude labor contract with the builders involved, did not provide instructions on safety rules and special safety devices.

The mentioned people violated norms and laws regarding the construction, proper technologies were not carried out while concreting, which resulted in such tragic accident.

Ali Muradov, Asgar Aliyev, Farhad Hasanov and Gadir Salimov were detained under articles 222.2 and 222.1.2 as suspects.

Efandi Vugar Mirmahmudoglu was pulled from the rubble at 14.40 on August 29 and taken to hospital.

Urgent investigations and operations are being carried out, the eyewitnesses and injured being interrogated, also proper documents were taken, and forensic medical examination and forensic technical examinations were defined.

Currently, the investigation is underway and efficient rescue efforts are made.

The public will be informed about the investigation and results of the rescue efforts.