Explosion in Zemo Ponichala Leaves Casualties

An explosion in Tbilisi’s Zemo Ponichala district left a mother and baby dead and three others with severe burns.

The bodies of the mother, 30, and baby were found after a seven-hour search operation in a residential building where the alleged reason of the explosion was a gas leak.

The other affected people, aged 12, 24 and 44 remain in hospital and as the doctors say, their health condition is grave.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation into the case.

The Mayor of Tbilisi expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased. Kakha Kaladze was on the spot of the incident throughout the day on November 15.

“It is a terrible tragedy, which claimed the lives of a mother and baby,” the Mayor said.

The Prime Minister of Georgia, Mamuka Bakhtadze, also offered his sympathy to the families of the affected people.

“I express my deep sorrow over the incident and offer my condolences to the family of the deceased. It is a big tragedy for us,” he added.

Giorgi Margvelashvili, the President of Georgia, also commented, saying he stands with the families of the deceased and affected people.

By Thea Morrison

Photo source: Mediamall.ge