2 remain in hospital after gas cistern explosion in Batumi

A strong explosion in western Georgia’s Black Sea coastal city of Batumi has injured three people, destroyed four houses and burnt five cars.

Reportedly, the explosion took place when a car was refueling its tank from a gas cistern at Abashidze Street this afternoon.

Photo source: Batumi City Hall

The explosion saw two nearby houses completely destroyed while another two were caught in fire. Five other cars were also on fire. It took 60 firefighters to handle the situation, Georgia’s Interior Ministry said.

The agency added that by now the fire has been fully extinguished.

Photo by Manana Kveliashvili/Batumelebi

Three people suffered injuries during the incident. One received first aid on the ground but two others were taken to hospital for more intensive care.

Doctors said one of the injured men has 90 percent of its body as well as his air ways burnt and he is in a "critical condition”.

The other man has 40 percent of its body burnt and is undergoing a relevant treatment.

Photo source: Batumi City Hall

The Interior Ministry said an investigation had been launched to find out the cause of the explosion.