Twelve individuals have been found dead due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in Gudauri, a ski area located in the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, as reported by the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The victims were discovered on Friday in a resting area situated above an Indian restaurant where they were all employed. Authorities found no signs of violence at the scene but identified a power generator nearby that had reportedly been used the previous day after the restaurant experienced a power outage.
Among the deceased, one was a Georgian national while the remaining eleven hailed from various other countries. The ongoing investigation into the incident is being treated as a case of negligent homicide, according to officials' statements.
Gudauri, positioned near the Russian border, is recognized as the largest and highest ski resort in Georgia, attracting visitors for skiing and paragliding activities.
Officials caution that power generators should only be operated outdoors due to the significant risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. In the United States, portable generators are known to be among the most hazardous household appliances, primarily due to their carbon monoxide emissions and the common practice of using them indoors.