(Source: BBC) A tragic incident in the Georgian ski resort of Gudauri has claimed the lives of 11 people, including a married couple and a young man who had recently moved to Georgia for work. The victims, all Indian nationals, were found dead on Saturday in what authorities believe to be a case of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Among the victims were Sameer Kumar, 26, who had arrived in Georgia just a few months ago in search of employment opportunities, and Ravinder Singh and his wife Gurvinder Kaur. Relatives confirmed that Sameer was supposed to be celebrating his birthday on the day of his death, but the family had lost contact with him and was later informed of the tragic event.
According to the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the deaths occurred above an Indian restaurant in Gudauri, a popular ski resort known for its winter sports activities. The victims, who were staying in the building, likely died after a power generator placed near the bedrooms was turned on to provide electricity when the building’s main power was switched off. The generator is believed to have released lethal levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas known as the “silent killer,” into the air. This gas prevents oxygen from being transported through the bloodstream, leading to poisoning and often death.
In addition to the 11 Indian nationals, one Georgian citizen was also among the deceased. Investigators found no signs of violence or injury on the bodies, and authorities are now working to determine whether the deaths could result in charges of “negligent manslaughter” against those responsible for the building’s maintenance or operation.
The Indian government has expressed condolences and is in contact with the victims’ families. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is assisting in the repatriation of the bodies to India for final rites, as requested by grieving relatives. Gurdeep Kumar, Sameer’s brother, recalled their last conversation on the day before Sameer’s birthday and said the family was devastated by the news of his death.
In the village of Sunam, relatives of Ravinder Singh and Gurvinder Kaur mourn their loss. Singh’s uncle, Kuldeep Singh Bawa Kainchi, explained that the couple had moved to Georgia in March, spending over 1.3 million rupees ($15,310) in hopes of finding a better future. The couple’s tragic end has left their family in deep sorrow, as they now seek assistance from both the federal and state governments to bring their loved ones back to India.
Gudauri, located about 120 kilometers north of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, is a major tourist destination in the Caucasus mountains, known for its skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The incident has cast a shadow over the resort’s popularity, raising concerns about the safety of visitors and workers in the region.
As authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the carbon monoxide leak, this tragedy highlights the dangers of improper use of power generators in enclosed spaces. The Indian community, particularly those from Punjab, is now grappling with the loss of loved ones in a foreign land, while also calling for justice and accountability in the wake of the disaster.
