Search continues for two missing sisters after apparent river accident in northern Armenia

Rescue crews continue searching for two sisters, ages 7 and 13, who went missing in the northern Armenian city of Vanadzor after an apparent accident involving a pipeline crossing over the Pambak River.

Emergency officials said a call was received at 2:45 p.m. on Monday reporting that a child had fallen into the river near Arapnya Street. Later, at 5:05 p.m., another caller reported that two minor girls had left a residence on Narekatsi Street and never reached their intended destination.

Search operations continued on Tuesday, involving 115 rescue service personnel, 86 police officers, divers, volunteers and drone teams. Boats and other specialized equipment have also been deployed.

According to local residents, the girls were attempting to cross the river on a large pipeline when the younger sister lost her footing and fell into the water. The older sister reportedly tried to help her but also slipped and fell into the river.

Residents described the pipeline as a long-standing safety concern.

“This pipeline has been taking lives since 1986-1987,” one resident of Narekatsi Street said in a vdeo posted on social media.