11 Indians among 12 dead in Georgian restaurant due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

At least 11 Indian nationals died in a restaurant in Georgia due to suspected carbon monoxide gas poisoning, media reports said.

Apart from 11 Indian nationals, one Georgian person died in the incident, confirmed the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs in a statement released on December 14.

The restaurant is located in Gudauri ski resort.

“In the resting area on the second floor of the Indian restaurant located in Gudauri, the bodies of 12 people employed in the same facility were found,” read a statement issued by the Ministry.

“At the initial inspection, no signs of body injuries or signs of violence were detected,” it said.

Georgian authorities are currently investigating the incident.

The Indian Embassy in Georgia condoled the loss of lives in the incident.

The Embassy said in a statement: “The Embassy of India in Tbilisi is saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of eleven Indian nationals in Gudauri, Georgia, and extends its deepest condolences to their families.”

The Embassy said it is working with local authorities to facilitate the prompt repatriation of the mortal remains to India.

What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

As per Mayo Clinic website, carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in the blood.

When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, the body replaces the oxygen in the red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can lead to serious tissue damage, or even death, Mayo Clinic website said.