Death Toll in Car Accident on Shatili Road Increases to 17

The death toll from yesterday's car accident on the Shatili Road near the village of Biso has increased to 17, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia reports. 

"Based on the information available at the moment, as a result of the incident, 17 people died and 3 were seriously injured. The injured have been hospitalized, and are currently under the supervision of doctors. Their condition remains critical,” the Ministry said. 

The tragic incident took place on Sunday evening near Biso in the Dusheti Municipality, as a result of which a minibus fell down a rocky slope from a height of about 80 meters.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation into the incident under Article 276 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which stipulates the violation of traffic safety rules or rules for operating transport, which resulted in the death of a person.

Initially, it was said that 12 people had died in the accident. Now, 17 deaths have been reported. 

Georgian state officials have expressed deep sorrow over the Shatili tragedy and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. 

"I express my deep sorrow over the terrible tragedy that happened on Shatili road. I offer my sincere condolence to the families and loved ones of the deceased," President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili stated. 

"I express my deepest sorrow over the horrific tragedy that took place on Shatili Road, which claimed the lives of our citizens. I offer sympathy to the victims’ families and loved ones. The search and rescue operations are being carried out intensively. Our doctors are selflessly fighting for the lives of the injured and I hope we will be able to save them," Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said.

By Ana Dumbadze 

Related Story: Car Accident on Shatili Road Leaves 12 Dead