Gas Explosion Kills 5, Injures 8 and Damages houses in Tbilisi

An explosion allegedly caused by a gas leak has killed five people, injured eight and left 45 families homeless in Tbilisi on July 14.

The explosion demolished the ninth floor of a building in Gldani, a district in the northern part of the capital, and killed five people, while 8 local residents were injured.

Two people were taken to hospital with serious injuries. One injured girl was operated on during the night. A 30 year-old- woman with fatal injures was placed in a Burns Center, her health condition is

critical.

As eye-witnesses declared, the incident was most likely caused by a gas leak. Local residents claimed that several strong explosions were heard moments before the collapse.

Patrol police and rescue teams were working at the scene until late last night. The apartment block residents have been evacuated from the building and they are safe now.

Representatives of the local government and Tbilisi City Hall have already been to the scene. The Government said that all funeral expenses for the deceased will be covered by the Tbilisi Municipality.

Georgia’s Interior Ministry has launched an investigation into the incident that took place yesterday afternoon in the Gldani district.

According to the ministry’s press-service, the investigation is based on the possible violation of safety regulations.

Tamar Svanidze