11 Indians Die in Restaurant Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Georgia
Gudauri (Georgia), 16th December 2024: A tragic incident unfolded in Gudauri, a prominent ski resort in Georgia, where 12 people, including 11 Indian nationals, lost their lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning at a restaurant. The 12th victim was a Georgian citizen.
According to the Georgian police, the victims were asleep in a room on the second floor of the restaurant when a carbon monoxide leak from a generator caused them to suffocate. Initial investigations have revealed no signs of violence or injuries on the bodies.
The Indian Embassy in Tbilisi expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “We are working closely with the local authorities to expedite the process of repatriating the bodies to India,” the embassy said in a statement.
Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation into the incident. According to reports by CNN, a generator was found near the beds in the employees’ room. It is suspected that the generator was turned on after a power outage, leading to the release of poisonous gas.
Harsh Weather and Safety Measures
Gudauri, situated near the Caucasus mountain range close to the Russian border, experiences extreme temperatures that can drop to minus 15 degrees Celsius at night. Heaters are essential for survival during such frigid conditions. However, the improper use of heating devices, as seen in this tragic case, can lead to fatal consequences.
About Gudauri
Gudauri is Georgia’s largest and highest ski resort, attracting a significant number of European tourists annually. Located at an altitude of 7,200 feet (2,195 meters), the resort offers skiing tracks extending up to 56 km, with a starting point at a peak of 10,750 feet (3,277 meters). Last year, more than 300,000 tourists visited Gudauri for skiing and winter sports.
The identities of the deceased are yet to be disclosed, and authorities are continuing their investigations to determine the exact sequence of events that led to this devastating accident.
