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Tragic Incident Claims Lives of Indian Nationals in Georgia
A celebration turned into tragedy as a man who should have been enjoying his birthday and a married couple were among 11 Indian nationals who lost their lives at a ski resort in Georgia over the weekend.
Sameer Kumar, who had relocated to Georgia only months ago, was found dead along with the couple, Ravinder Singh and Gurvinder Kaur, above an Indian restaurant in Gudauri, according to family members.
Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the 12 victims, which also included one Georgian citizen, apparently succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Indian government has stated it is collaborating with the victims’ families and is working to facilitate the return of their remains to India.
Initial investigations revealed no evident signs of trauma or injury on the bodies, which were discovered on Saturday, as confirmed by the Georgian ministry.
It is believed that the fatal incident was triggered by a generator placed near the bedrooms, which was activated after the building’s electricity supply was cut off.
Authorities are now working to investigate whether this incident could lead to charges of “negligent manslaughter”.
Carbon monoxide, often referred to as the “silent killer”, is an odorless gas resulting from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Inhalation of the gas obstructs the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, potentially leading to poisoning and death.
Family members of the victims from Punjab, northern India, shared their grief. Gurdeep Kumar, Sameer’s brother, mentioned that Sameer had moved to Georgia in search of better work opportunities.
“We spoke to him last on Friday, just a day before his birthday,” Gurdeep said. “We tried reaching him on his birthday but received no response.”
The family managed to contact the restaurant owner the following day to learn of the tragedy.
They are now appealing to both federal and state authorities to ensure Sameer’s body is brought back to India for final rites.
In Sunam village, relatives of Ravinder Singh and Gurvinder Kaur are also in mourning.
“They had ventured to Georgia in March, investing 1.3 million rupees ($15,310; £12,060) in hopes of building a better future,” Kuldeep Singh Bawa Kainchi, Singh’s uncle, shared.
Gudauri, a well-known destination for skiing and snowboarding, provides an array of winter sports activities catering to all skill levels. It has a rich history dating back to the 19th century when it served as a trading post along the historic Georgian Military Road, which connects Russia and Georgia.
Situated in the Caucasus mountains in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, Gudauri rests at an elevation of approximately 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) and is located around 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital.
Source
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