December 16th 2024.
Police have reported a tragic incident at a ski resort in Georgia, where twelve individuals were found deceased. According to authorities, eleven of the victims were Indian nationals while one was a citizen of Georgia. The bodies were discovered on the second floor of an Indian restaurant in Gudauri, the largest ski resort in the country. This heartbreaking news was shared in a statement released on Saturday by local police.
The statement also revealed that all twelve individuals were employees of the building where their bodies were found. This only adds to the sorrow and shock of the situation. The Indian Embassy in Tbilisi expressed their condolences and assured that they are working to provide support to the grieving families. Their main focus at the moment is to repatriate the bodies of the eleven Indian nationals back to their home country.
Initial investigations have found no signs of violence on the deceased individuals. However, it was discovered that a power generator had been placed indoors, close to the bedrooms and turned on after a power outage on Friday. This may have been a contributing factor to this tragic incident. The authorities have launched an investigation under Article 116 of the country's criminal code, which deals with negligent manslaughter.
Gudauri, nestled in the Caucasus Mountains near the Russian border, has been gaining popularity among tourists as a more affordable option compared to the ski resorts in the Alps. In 2023, over 300,000 international travelers visited this resort, as reported by a local consulting firm. With its high elevation and 56 kilometers of skiable terrain, Gudauri offers a unique and thrilling experience for skiing enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, this tragedy comes at a time of unrest in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi. The decision of the government to halt talks of joining the European Union has sparked protests that have been met with a harsh response from the police. This has only added to the tensions between the pro-Western opposition and the Kremlin-friendly government. In fact, just a day before this incident at the ski resort, a far-right former soccer star was voted in as the country's next president, further deepening the divide.
As we mourn the loss of these twelve individuals and pray for their families, let us also keep in mind the ongoing struggles faced by the people of Georgia. Stay updated with all the latest news, sports, politics, and weather by downloading the 9NEWS app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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