A devastating tragedy has struck the popular Gudauri ski resort in Georgia, leaving twelve people dead from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
Authorities reported that the bodies of eleven foreign nationals and one Georgian citizen were discovered in a sleeping area above a restaurant.
The bodies were found on Saturday in a building that housed an Indian restaurant at the Gudauri resort.
The victims are believed to have died due to carbon monoxide poisoning, with the gas leaking from an oil-powered generator.
The generator was switched on after the building lost power on Friday night.
“Preliminary tests show no signs of violence on the bodies, and it appears to be a tragic accident,” said police officials.
An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the incident, although no identities of the victims have been released.
Gudauri, known for its breathtaking mountain views and thrilling ski slopes, has now become the site of this heartbreaking loss.
The resort, located around 120 kilometers north of Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, draws tourists from all over the world.
Its history dates back to the 19th century, when it was a trading post on the ancient Georgian Military Road connecting Russia to Georgia.
The incident has left the resort community in shock, with many still reeling from the tragic deaths of the tourists.
It is feared that more could be at risk as authorities investigate whether carbon monoxide levels were present elsewhere in the resort.
“It’s a terrible tragedy, and we are deeply saddened,” said a local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The area’s altitude, at 2,200 meters above sea level, is known to cause unique safety challenges for both locals and tourists.
Gudauri has long been a favorite destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, offering a wide range of winter sports.
The victims, according to some reports, were all staying in the building above the Indian restaurant when the disaster occurred.
With ski season in full swing, the timing of the tragedy has only added to the horror of the accident.
Authorities have urged tourists and staff to be cautious about the dangers of carbon monoxide, which is colorless and odorless, making it particularly deadly.
“People need to be more aware of the risks and safety protocols when traveling to high-altitude locations,” said a spokesperson for the Georgian Tourism Department.
The resort has had a reputation for high safety standards, but this incident has raised questions about the adequacy of measures in place to prevent such accidents.
Gudauri’s steep slopes and cold temperatures make it an attractive destination, but they also present significant risks in extreme weather conditions.
The resort community is working together to support the families of the victims and ensure that tourists are aware of safety procedures moving forward.
“Every year, we welcome thousands of tourists to Gudauri, and this is the last thing we ever want to happen,” said a Gudauri employee, visibly shaken by the incident.
