Twelve Indian Workers Found Dead in Georgia’s Gudauri Restaurant
Twelve Indian workers were found dead inside a restaurant in Gudauri, a popular mountain resort town in Georgia, on Tuesday. The cause of the deaths is suspected to be gas poisoning, according to preliminary reports from local authorities.
The victims, employed at the restaurant, were reportedly exposed to toxic fumes while working in an enclosed space. Georgian emergency services responded to a distress call and found the bodies inside the establishment. Investigators suspect that a gas leak from faulty heating equipment could have caused the tragedy.
Cause Under Investigation
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the gas leak and whether the restaurant adhered to safety protocols. Officials are inspecting the building’s ventilation and heating systems to identify possible lapses.
A statement from Georgia's Interior Ministry confirmed the presence of hazardous gas. "Twelve workers, all of Indian nationality, died due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigations are ongoing," the statement said.
Families Notified
Indian Embassy officials in Tbilisi have been informed and are coordinating with Georgian authorities to ensure the victims’ remains are repatriated. Efforts are underway to notify the workers’ families in India.
Response from India
India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed condolences and assured full support to the families of the deceased. In a statement, the ministry said, “We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities for necessary action.”
The tragic incident has raised concerns over worker safety and compliance with safety standards in establishments operating in the region. The Indian community in Georgia has urged stricter safety checks to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Further details are awaited as investigations continue.