12 Found Dead In Indian Restaurant In Georgia's Popular Ski Resort, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Suspected

A tragic incident at Georgia's popular Gudauri ski resort has claimed the lives of 12 people, with authorities suspecting carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death.

The bodies of 11 foreign nationals and one Georgian citizen were discovered at an Indian restaurant in the resort, prompting an urgent investigation by Georgian police.

The fatalities were found in the restaurant's second-floor sleeping quarters, where the victims, believed to be staff members, had been staying. Initial examinations of the bodies revealed no signs of external violence, suggesting the deaths were accidental.

In response, the Georgian Interior Ministry has launched a criminal investigation under Article 116 of the country's Criminal Code, which covers deaths caused by negligence.

Deadly error

Early investigations point to a potential safety oversight. The generator, placed in a confined space near the bedrooms, was turned on during a power outage the day before the bodies were discovered.

The positioning of the generator in such a small, enclosed area raises concerns about the risks of carbon monoxide buildup. Preliminary findings suggest the toxic fumes from the generator, trapped in the confined space, could have caused the fatalities.

"The generator was placed in a confined area near the sleeping quarters, and the power outage the night before likely led to its use," said a spokesperson from the Georgian Interior Ministry. "The circumstances around this tragic event are still under investigation, and forensic specialists are working to confirm the exact cause of death."

Probe in progress

Witnesses are being questioned as part of the ongoing inquiry. Forensic experts have arrived at the scene, and a forensic medical examination has been ordered to determine the precise cause of death. The investigation is also examining whether any criminal negligence played a part in the tragedy, particularly concerning the use of the generator so close to the victims.

"The investigation is actively underway," the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated in a press release. "We are conducting interviews and carrying out relevant examinations to determine the cause of this tragic incident."