Another Gas Explosion in Tbilisi - Georgia’s Deadly Gas Problem
On April 7, a gas leak caused an explosion on the 4th floor of a residential building in Digomi Massive, underlining once again the need for stricter gas regulations and improved safety measures in Georgia.
The Ministry of Interior has stated that seven people were injured in the incident on Sunday, including a 7-month old child. A 21-year old man is also in a serious condition in hospital with 35% burns as a result on the explosion which also caused part of the apartment building to collapse.
This incident comes just months after four people were killed and eight injured after a gas leak caused an explosion on January 16 in the Digomi Massive district in Tbilisi. Over nine people have also died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning in the capital so far this year. On January 21, two people died from natural gas intoxication in Varketili district, whilst seven died in an incident on Ketevan Tsamebuli Avenue on January 31.
Speaking to reporters on April 8, Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze said it is necessary to install detectors in residential blocks that will alarm residents in case of a gas leak. He affirmed that an agreement has already been reached with Ministry of the Economy and that regulations should come into effect by the end of the year.
Kaladze believes that change must happen on two fronts. Firstly, the appropriate ministries must enforce stricter regulations and install gas detectors to warn residents of a gas leak. Secondly, citizens should be “more cautious.”
“When the gas leaks, people do not smell it,” he said. “When I know that there is a risk and I live with my family and children, of course I will pay more attention.”
However, the question remains if responsibility for the incidents lies with KazTransGas, the gas provider who supplies gas to Tbilisi. Prior to the deadly gas leak in January, two KazTransGas employees had carried out an inspection on the building. They were arrested following the incident.
Following the explosion on Sunday, KazTransGas at first insisted that the leak occurred due to a gross violation of use by the residents. However, a criminal investigation is currently underway at the scene to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
Gas leaks in Georgia are often caused by aging and outdated gas pipes and poorly fitted appliances. KazTransGas also reports that many residents remove gas installations from the network despite potential threats. In January, 2381 devices were stolen, whilst this figure stood at 2549 in February, according to KazTransGas.
Following gas incidents, politicians and officials are fast to offer their condolences and call for tighter gas regulations. However, the number of casualties has yet to decline. In 2018, there were 16 cases of CO2 poisoning and 13 deaths related to gas leaks in Tbilisi, according to Irakli Bendeliani, Tbilisi’s Deputy Mayor. The death toll this year has already reached the same number in three months alone. Such figures raise the question whether enough is being done by KazTransGas and the government to prevent future leaks and more casualties.
By Amy Jones
Image source: IPN