Ski resort horror as 12 people found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning

A devastating incident has occurred at a ski resort where twelve people have tragically lost their lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The victims, found in bedrooms above an Indian restaurant at the Gudauri ski station, included 11 foreigners and one Georgian national, according to police in Georgia.

"Preliminary tests do not indicate any trace of violence on the bodies", stated a police spokesperson. It is believed that the deceased were employees of the restaurant.

An investigation into this tragic event has been initiated by the Georgian Interior Ministry, with the case being treated as involuntary manslaughter. This could lead to a prison sentence of three to five years if more than two people are found to have died as a result.

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Investigators discovered that a power generator near the 12 rooms was activated the day before due to a power outage. "An oil-powered generator was turned on after the building lost electricity" on Friday, the police revealed.

They are now investigating whether this could have led to the build-up of carbon monoxide. Autopsies have been ordered to determine the exact cause of death of the victims, whose identities have yet to be disclosed, reports the Irish Mirror.

Gudauri, the largest and highest ski resort in the former Soviet state, is situated on the south-facing plateau of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range, 75 miles north of the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, at an elevation of 7,200ft above sea level.

Carbon monoxide, a silent killer due to its colourless and odourless nature, can't be detected by human senses. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, chest and muscle pain, along with shortness of breath.

The NHS advises: "The symptoms may come and go. They may get worse when you spend time in an affected room or building and get better when you leave or go outside."