Twelve individuals lost their lives on December 14, 2024, after an unfortunate incident occurred at the Gudauri ski resort in Georgia where carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected to have taken place. These include eleven Indian nationals and one Georgian who are said to have worked at a restaurant on the Gudauri ski resort premises.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the deceased were sleeping inside the restaurant and were found in the sleeping quarters located above the restaurant. Currently, the Georgian authorities are of the view that a power cut along with an electric generator being switched on had played a role in the incident. The generator was situated in a small space next to the bedrooms and exuded carbon monoxide which eventually led to the poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous, and highly combustible gas. Instances of people suffering from a headache, feeling dizzy, weak, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, or confusion can all be signs of the initial onset of poisoning. Such conditions can worsen leading to unconsciousness or even death. The case reinforces the serious issues of power generators while also showing the need for carbon monoxide detectors in space enclosed to avoid such situations.
In response to the tragedy, a Member of Parliament from Punjab, India, stated that all the Indian victims hailed from the state. The MP emphasized the need for stringent safety measures for Indian workers abroad and called upon the Indian government to ensure the welfare and safety of its citizens employed overseas.
The Indian Embassy in Tbilisi has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and is coordinating with local authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the mortal remains to India. They have assured all possible assistance to the affected families during this difficult time.
The Gudauri ski resort, located in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, is a popular destination known for its high mountains and affordable ski passes. The resort’s highest point is 3,279 meters, offering 75 kilometers of trails. This incident has cast a shadow over the community, with local authorities conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of death and to prevent future occurrences.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with improper use of power generators and the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
In conjunction with the tragedy, a parliament member from Punjab India stated that all the Indians who died were from the state. The MP highlighted the need for strict safety measures for Indian workers in foreign countries and surmised the need for the Indian government to facilitate employment for its people abroad more constructively.
While the Indian Embassy in Tbilisi has expressed its deep sympathy to the families of the deceased and is coordinating with local authorities to work together with the respective local authorities to ensure that the deceased are taken back to their home country without much difficulty. They have also promised to extend their support to the affected families during the hard times they are facing.
Gudauri ski resort, located in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, is one of the highest places where ski passes are very cheap. The highest point of the resort is around 3279 meters and offers 75 kilometers of trails. There was a ski competition on this day that went ahead and most locals have said that it has put a damper on the community with the authorities trying to ascertain the cause of the death in any way to prevent it from happening again.
This horrific incident reminds one of the events that took place during the year when warned about the use of power generators and inefficiencies installed in the equipment that not only placed harm to the wielders but the hypothesis behind the scenes as well
