11 Indian nationals, among 12 people, were found dead at a restaurant in Gudauri, a mountain resort in Georgia, according to a statement by the Indian embassy in Tbilisi. As per the Indian mission in the former Soviet country, the victims were all employed at the restaurant. Georgian authorities have started a probe but confirmed there were no signs of violence. Initial reports suggest the deaths were likely due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Indian mission in Georgia said in a statement on December 16, "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 is working closely with local authorities to facilitate the prompt repatriation of the mortal remains to India. We are also in contact with the bereaved families and are committed to providing all possible support."
The bodies were discovered in the resting area on the second floor of the Indian restaurant in Gudauri, where all 12 victims were employed. The police have launched an investigation under Article 116 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to negligent manslaughter. As per the local media report, all victims died from carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the preliminary investigation, a power generator was placed in an indoor area, closed space near the bedrooms, which was turned on December 13, probably after the power supply was turned off, which might have triggered the poisoning.
According to the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, a forensic medical examination has also been appointed to determine ‘the exact cause of death’.
What is Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a life-threatening condition that occurs when someone breathes in carbon monoxide fumes. CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced when fuel like wood, gasoline, or natural gas is burned. When inhaled, CO prevents the body from using oxygen properly, which can harm the brain, heart, and other organs. People at higher risk for CO poisoning include: Infants and children, Pregnant people, Older adults, People with heart or lung disease, and Smokers.
Symptoms: Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, seizures, chest pain, disorientation, and loss of consciousness. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you.
Treatment: Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is breathing in pure oxygen. A healthcare provider will give you an oxygen mask to breathe through. This will offset the carbon monoxide build-up in your body. In case of severe poisoning, getting treatment in an oxygen chamber is essential. This is called hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It involves breathing pure oxygen in a chamber for a set amount of time. The air pressure in the chamber is 2 to 3 times higher than usual. This helps replace carbon monoxide with oxygen in the blood.
Is carbon monoxide poisoning fatal?
CO is a toxic gas that you cannot see or smell. It's given off whenever fuel or other carbon-based materials are burned. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause permanent damage to the heart and brain, and may result in neurological damage, coma, or death if one is exposed to the poisoning for a longer period of time. Infants, pregnant women, people with lung or heart disease, and people with anemia are especially vulnerable. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy might be used for severe carbon monoxide poisoning. It helps protect heart and brain tissue from carbon monoxide damage. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy might also be used or pregnant women to protect unborn babies from damage from carbon monoxide poisoning. To reduce your risk of CO poisoning, you can:
Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home
Open the flue when you use a fireplace
Never use charcoal grills or hibachis indoors
Buy appliances that vent to the outside
Have fuel-burning appliances professionally installed
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