12 Indian Nationals Found Dead at Georgia’s Gudauri Ski Resort Likely Died from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Georgia’s Gudauri Ski Resort : At least 12 Indian nationals were found dead in the Gudauri ski resort in Georgia, where preliminary reports suggest carbon monoxide poisoning as the most probable cause. The incident happened on Saturday in a building that housed an Indian food restaurant in the popular mountain resort in the Caucasus mountains, which is at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level.

The Indian Embassy in Georgia has confirmed the tragedy, which has expressed its condolences to the bereaved families and added that they are in touch with local authorities to gather further details. The embassy assured that all possible assistance would be provided. According to Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the bodies were discovered on the second floor of the building, and there were no signs of injury or violence in the initial inspection.

Initial findings indicate that it was the power generator. It was an oil-powered, placed indoors in a covered space next to the rooms. This had been plugged in because the building’s electricity had been cut off from Friday night. Authorities surmise that the carbon monoxide coming out from the generator might have caused the suffocation of the victims in this closed room.

The Georgian police have launched an investigation under Article 116 of the Criminal Code, that is, on charges of negligent manslaughter. A forensic medical examination has been ordered for determining the exact cause of death. Investigative actions are ongoing with forensic teams and police conducting interviews with related individuals.

In a statement, Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that 11 of the deceased were foreign nationals, with one being a Georgian citizen. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.

Gudauri, with its breathtaking winter sports facilities, is a destination for tourists from all over the world, especially for skiers and snowboarders. The tragic incident has shocked the local community and raised questions about safety practices in resort areas, especially about the use of generators in closed spaces.

The Indian government and Georgian authorities are working closely to un-earth more details of the incident and support the families of the affected. The investigation is on as the authorities work towards preventing such occurrences in future.

(With Agency Inputs)