A devastating event unfolded at the Gudauri ski resort in Georgia, leading to the deaths of twelve individuals on December 13, 2024. This incident is one of the deadliest in the region’s recent past.
As reported by the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the deceased were composed of eleven foreign nationals and one Georgian resident, all of whom fell victim to carbon monoxide poisoning. The group was housed above an Indian restaurant at the resort, where they were working.
The fatal incident was triggered by an oil-fueled generator that was operated indoors in the aftermath of a power outage. This generator was located in a confined area near the sleeping quarters, causing a lethal accumulation of carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is colorless, odorless, and can kill within minutes in spaces without adequate ventilation.
An investigation has started to ascertain if negligence contributed to this calamity, potentially leading to charges of negligent manslaughter. According to Georgian law, such charges could result in a prison term of three to five years when multiple deaths are involved. Forensic teams are currently collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.
Experts stress the extreme dangers of improper generator usage, especially in confined spaces. Carbon monoxide, often termed a “silent killer,” cannot be detected without specific equipment, highlighting the critical need for precise safety protocols while operating generators.
Located in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, about 75 miles north of Tbilisi, Gudauri is Georgia’s most expansive and loftiest ski resort, standing at an elevation of 7,200 feet. The resort attracts skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from all over the world. With a historical significance dating back to the 19th century, it once served as a trading post along the Georgian Military Road, a crucial pathway linking Russia and Georgia.
The authorities are withholding the victims’ identities until their families have been informed. This tragedy has cast a pall over Gudauri, a resort renowned for its lively winter sports scene.
