Tragic Gas Poisoning Claims Lives of 11 Indians in Georgia

Georgia’s recent gas poisoning tragedy has shocked families and communities as investigations into the circumstances continue.

A weekend ski resort tragedy in Gudauri, Georgia, has resulted in the deaths of 11 Indian nationals, including a married couple, Ravinder Singh and Gurvinder Kaur, who relocated to Georgia for better opportunities. Their demise, alongside Sameer Kumar, who had only recently arrived, has devastated their families. Authorities suspect carbon monoxide poisoning due to a generator being improperly placed near their sleeping quarters after power was lost in the area.

Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that 12 people, including one Georgian national, are believed to have lost their lives due to this incident, which has prompted an official investigation into potential negligence that could lead to charges of "negligent manslaughter."

Local relatives are mourning the unexpected losses. Gurdeep Kumar, brother of victim Sameer, shared the family's heartbreak, revealing that their last contact was the day before Sameer’s birthday. After being unreachable on his special day, the family sought out the restaurant owner, only to learn of the tragedy. They are now appealing to the Indian government for assistance in bringing Sameer’s body home for final rites.

Relatives in Punjab are similarly grieving the loss of Ravinder and Gurvinder Singh, who had invested substantial resources in their move to Georgia, hoping for a better life. Their uncle emphasized the family’s despair, reflecting the perilous risks associated with seeking opportunities abroad.

Gudauri, where the incident occurred, is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding facilities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. The region, characterized by its stunning mountainous terrain, has a history as a strategic trading post, providing a backdrop of allure that has unfortunately been overshadowed by this tragic event.

Additional reporting by Gurminder Singh in Punjab. Follow BBC News India on various social media platforms for the latest updates.