Eleven Indian nationals and a Georgian were reported dead in a tragedy in an Indian restaurant at the Gudauri ski resort in Georgia.
It appears to be a case of carbon monoxide poisoning, sources in the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has reported that all the fatalities were discovered in the second-floor sleeping quarters of ‘Haveli’.
The victims are believed to have been restaurant staff.
According to authorities, the bodies showed no indications of exterior assault in the course of initial inspection.
Although an inquiry is underway, preliminary findings show that use of a generator during power outage caused the mishap and led to casualties.
Relying on preliminary findings of the investigation, Georgia’s Interior Ministry reported that a day before the mishap, the power generator was placed in a closed space near the bedrooms.
The Indian embassy in Tbilisi has said that said that it is working closely with local authorities to facilitate the prompt repatriation of their mortal remains to India.
Forensic experts who reached the spot, are examining the remains.
In a statement, Georgia’s Interior Ministry said that the Mtskheta-Mtianeti Police have started a criminal prosecution in accordance with Article 116 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which implies negligent manslaughter.
“Investigative actions are actively being carried out, with forensic-criminalistics working on the spot, and interviews of persons related to the case are being conducted,’’ the ministry stated.
The Indian embassy in Tbilisi has expressed grief over the unfortunate passing of eleven Indian nationals in Gadauri and has extended condolences to their families.
The Indian Community in Georgia is around 9,000 which consists mostly of students.
Most members of the Indian community in Georgia hail from the northern Indian State of Punjab.
The number of students is around 11,000 who are enrolled in various medical institutions.
Medical students from Ukraine have also come and joined medical colleges in Georgia.
In recent years, many Indians have brought investment from Gulf countries and started mid-size businesses such as restaurants, hotels, in Georgia.
The influx of Indian tourists to Georgia has also increased gradually over the past few years.
