Georgian flags at half-mast for victims of mining accident

Georgian national flags are flying at half-mast today at all government buildings across the country in mourning of six people who died at the Mindeli coal mine in the town of Tkibuli in the west of Georgia yesterday morning.

The government of Georgia declared April 6 as a mourning day after an accident in a mine in west Georgia claiming six lives and injuring three. Photo from the PM’s press office

The tragic accident has claimed the lives of Pavle Gamezardashvili, 26, Giorgi Bochorishvili, 28, Mirza Kurtsikidze, 46, Besik Gurgenidze, 50, Elguja Bochorishvili, 52 and Gogi Rapava, 59.

Three other miners who have been injured were immediately taken to hospitals.

State flags at half-staff on the presidential administration to honor the victims of the mineshaft tragedy. pic.twitter.com/EdLuiDFRpl

— President Of Georgia (@MargvelashviliG) April 6, 2018

The ceiling collapsed at the Mindeli coal mine early on April 5.

An investigation of the case is underway under Article #240 of the criminal code, which provides for up to five years imprisonment for those convicted of violating safety standards at the workplace.