The FINANCIAL — The tragic incident took place on Sunday evening in the Dusheti Municipality, as a result of which a minibus fell down a rocky slope from around 80 meters. 17 people passed and 3 were seriously injured in a car accident on the Shatili Road in the Georgian province of Upper Khevsureti. Georgia receives condolences from foreign officials after this incident.
By government decree, 25 August has been declared a day of mourning in Georgia in honor of the memory of the victims of the tragedy on Shatili Road. The state flag was lowered over the building of the Administration of the Government of Georgia.
Flags on all governmental buildings across Georgia are also flying at half-staff today in recognition of the 17 people who died during the tragic road accident in Dusheti municipality on August 23. Georgia has received condolences from foreign officials and states in the wake of the deadly road accident, as agenda.ge reported.
Lithuania has expressed its condolences:
“We are deeply saddened by the news about the tragic road accident in Shatili, Georgia. Our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones.”
As a result of the road accident on Zhinvali-Barisakho-Shatili main road N64, mini bus fell over a rocky slope, from the height of approximately 80 meters. Due to the car accident, 17 people died and 3 were seriously injured. Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs – Ioseb Tchelidze and Head of Emergency Situations Management Agency – Temur Mgebrishvili arrived at the site of the road accident and directly coordinate the rescue operation.
Despite the limited visibility, difficult meteorological and relief conditions, the rescue operations continued in full swing until late in full compliance with safety standards. Criminal police, as well as patrol police crews, fire- rescuer teams of Emergency Situations Management Agency and special technic are mobilized at the scene. Emergency Ambulance crews are also deployed at the place of the road accident.
The injured persons were taken to a safe place by rescuers and transferred to the treating facility by the ambulance crews afterwards. At this moment they are under the supervision of the medical personnel at the treating facility.
Ministry of Internal Affairs has already launched investigation regarding the mentioned fact under the article 276 envisaged by the Criminal Code of Georgia.
Foreign Minister of Turkey Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu also expressed condolences and tweeted:
“Deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident in Georgia. Condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives and wishing speedy recovery to the injured. Standing in solidarity with friendly Georgian people.”
The European Union Representation in Georgia lowered the EU flag in connection with Mourning Day declared in Georgia in commemoration of victims of August 23 tragedy on Shatili road.
Carl Hartzell, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia wrote on Facebook: “Today the EU flag flies at half-mast as we mourn those who tragically lost their lives on the road to Shatili last Sunday. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” as reported by Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Ambassador Kelly Degnan also expressed condolences and said that on behalf of the entire community of the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, she wishes to express deepest condolences for the tragic loss of seventeen lives in Shatili on August 23. “We hold in our thoughts those who perished, as well as those who mourn their loss, during this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing you are not alone – you are surrounded by those who share your grief,” she added.
