At least 11 Indian nationals, including Sameer Kumar, a man who had only recently moved to Georgia, and a married couple, Ravinder Singh and Gurvinder Kaur, have tragically died in a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning incident at a Georgian ski resort this past weekend.
The victims were found above an Indian restaurant in the popular Gudauri ski resort, located in the Caucasus mountains. According to Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the 12 victims, including one Georgian national, were believed to have been poisoned by carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas often referred to as the “silent killer.”
The incident occurred when a power generator, placed near the bedrooms, was turned on after the building’s electricity was cut off. Authorities are investigating the situation and working to determine if the deaths may lead to charges of “negligent manslaughter.” The initial investigation showed no signs of violence or injury on the bodies, which were discovered on Saturday, the ministry stated in a release.
Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels, and when inhaled, it prevents the blood from carrying oxygen, leading to poisoning. Inhaling high levels can be fatal.
The Indian government has confirmed that it is in contact with the victims’ families and is assisting with the repatriation of the bodies. Gurdeep Kumar, Sameer’s brother, spoke to BBC Punjabi, sharing the family’s grief. “We last spoke to him on Friday, a day before his birthday,” Gurdeep said. “The family tried contacting him on his birthday but never heard back.” A day later, the family reached out to the restaurant owner and learned of the tragic incident. Gurdeep has now appealed to the federal and state governments to help bring Sameer’s body back to India for his final rites.
In the village of Sunam, relatives are mourning the death of Ravinder Singh and his wife, Gurvinder. Singh’s uncle, Kuldeep Singh Bawa Kainchi, told BBC Punjabi, “They had gone to Georgia in March after spending 1.3 million rupees ($15,310; £12,060) seeking a better future.”
Gudauri, the resort where the tragedy occurred, is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Situated around 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, the resort has long been a popular winter sports destination. Historically, Gudauri was a trading post along the ancient Georgian Military Road, which connects Russia to Georgia, and is located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi.
