Georgia ski resort deaths: Twelve die from carbon monoxide poisoning in Gudauri

Twelve people have died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at a ski resort in Georgia.

An interior ministry spokesperson said the bodies of 11 foreigners and one Georgian national were found above an Indian restaurant in the resort of Gudauri.

Officers said initial tests “do not indicate any trace of violence on the bodies" and that the deaths appeared to be an accident.

The focus of the investigation is an oil-powered generator, which was turned on when the building lost power on Friday.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, but they are believed to be restaurant staff, according to the Georgian Interior Ministry.

In a statement, the Georgian Interior Ministry said: “The bodies of 12 people, believed to be employees of the same facility, were found in a bedroom on the second floor of an Indian restaurant in Gudauri.

“Initial examination of the bodies showed no signs of violence.

“Also, according to initial information from the investigation, a generator was located in an indoor, closed space near the bedrooms, which was likely turned on yesterday after the power supply to the facility was cut off.”

Forensic experts are working at the scene to determine the exact cause of death.

Gudauri, located in the north of the country, is the largest and highest ski resort in the state and is popular with tourists.