Twelve people have died after their bodies were discovered inside a restaurant at a popular ski resort in Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains, according to authorities.
The Mtskheta-Mtianeti Police Department of Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that they discovered the remains in Gudauri, a popular and well-known ski resort near the Russian border, approximately 75 miles north of the country’s capital, Tbilisi.
“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,” Georgian officials said in a statement. “At the initial inspection, no signs of body injuries or signs of violence were detected.”
However, a preliminary inquiry revealed that a power generator had been installed in a locked enclosure within an indoor part of the resort near certain guest rooms. Article 116 of Georgia’s Criminal Code has initiated an investigation, suggesting that the deaths were due to negligent manslaughter.
Out of the 12 people who died, 11 were foreign citizens, and one was a Georgian citizen.
“Investigative actions are actively being carried out, forensic – criminalistics are working on the spot, interviews of persons related to the case are being conducted,” authorities said. “Forensic medical examination has also been appointed to determine the exact cause of death.”
“Gudauri ski resort is the largest and most modern ski resort in Georgia, with a well-developed infrastructure that includes the highest level of access in Georgia, with limitless opportunities for freestyle and skiing in an open environment,” the resort’s website says. “The resort is the highest alpine settlement along the Georgian Military Road, also known as the ancient name “Sky Ravine Road”. Gudauri is a permanent settlement in one of the five highest points in Europe and attracts mountain lovers all over the world.”
The investigation into the deaths is currently ongoing.