Int’l experts arrive in Georgia to investigate Gudauri ski-lift accident
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International experts have arrived in Georgia’s winter resort of Gudauri to investigate the ski-lift accident that injured 11 on Friday.
Georgian Minister of Economy Dimitri Kumsishvili wrote on his official Facebook page that the government welcomes an impartial investigation of the accident to ensure both the safety of citizens and tourists and to protect the international reputation of Georgia.
The world-famous business media outlet Bloomberg lists Georgia among five great European destinations that combine both culture and skiing. Photo from Nanuka Avaliani Facebook page
Kumsishvili said the Government of Georgia selected Bureau Veritas for its expertise in ski-lift inspection.
Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas is a global leader in Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC), delivering high quality services to help clients meet the growing challenges of quality, safety, environmental protection and social responsibility", the group’s official page says.
Based on the latest data, only five out of 11 people remain in hospitals in Tbilisi now.
One of the Russian tourists, who was also injured in Friday’s accident, Oleg Vitrov, immediately returned to Gudauri after he was discharged from the hospital.
Skiers in Gudauri continue to hit the slopes despite the recent accident. Many have encouraged others to join them on the trails via Facebook. Photo from Olexiy Karpukhin Facebook page
Despite the recent accident, all other ski-lifts in Gudauri continue to operate as the relevant documents are available proving they are safe.
Only six out of 11 of those injured remain in hospitals in the capital of Tbilisi. One of the Russian tourists injured in yesterday’s accident, Oleg Vitrov, immediately returned to Gudauri after he was discharged from the Ghudushauri hospital. Those who still remain in hospital are under state care.
"We will do everything to ensure the maximum safety of our citizens and tourists, to protect the international reputation that our country has built, including through its ski resorts”, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said.
A ski-lift accident in Georgia’s eastern Gudauri resort has left 8 people with minor injuries, the Mountain Resorts Development Company of Georgia has reported. No fatalities have been recorded. One of the eight injured has already been discharged from hospital, the Georgian Health Minister David Sergeenko told the media.
“Rescuers worked professionally and fast”
Rustam Ibragimov, a Russian tourist and witness of the Gudauri ski-lift accident last week, has published a post on his Facebook page, in which he speaks about his own experience of the accident, trying to correct recently published misinformation.