12 people have reportedly been found dead at a popular ski resort in the former Soviet republic of Georgia.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, the bodies of 11 foreigners and one Georgian national — who have not been named — were discovered in a “resting area on the second floor” of an Indian restaurant in the Gudauri ski resort, Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed in a statement.
The 12 people died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, the BBC reported.
“The employees of Mtskheta-Mtianeti Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in connection with the accident that took place in Gudauri, as a result of which 12 people died, started an investigation under Article 116 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which implies Negligent manslaughter,” the translated statement read.
Authorities stated the deceased were “employed in the same facility” where they were found.
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“At the initial inspection, no signs of body injuries or signs of violence were detected,” the Dec. 14 statement added. “According to the preliminary information of the investigation, a power generator was placed in an indoor area, closed space near the bedrooms, which was turned on yesterday, probably after the power supply was turned off.”
The Ministry stated an investigation is underway and interviews are being conducted.
“A forensic medical examination has also been appointed to determine the exact cause of death,” the statement said.
Gudauri didn’t immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.
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Gudauri is situated in the Greater Caucasus Mountains and dates back to 1987. It boasts “big mountains, one of the highest, pristine ski areas, and the cheapest ski pass in Europe,” per its website.
The site states the resort’s highest point is 3279 m (over 10,750 feet) and that it has 75 km (46 miles) of trails. The location also offers multiple restaurants, cafés and après-ski bars, as well as spa centers and saunas.
The resort “is a 90-minute near-vertical drive north from the capital city of Tbilisi,” according to CNN.
Per Gudauri’s Facebook page, the preliminary opening date for the winter season was Saturday, Dec. 14, but there’s no confirmation as to whether it opened on that day.
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