Gas Cistern Explosion in Batumi Leaves 3 Locals Injured

Three Georgians were taken to the hospital due to an explosion of a gas Cistern at the station located on the General Abashidze Street in Georgia’s Black Sea city of Batumi, Adjara.

One of the affected men has minor injuries but the rest two require more intensive care. Doctors said one of the injured men has 90 percent of its body as well as his air ways burnt and he is in a "critical condition”. The other man has 40 percent of its body burnt and is undergoing a relevant treatment.

The cause of the fire is unknown. The explosion also damaged vehicles and several houses nearby.

60 firefighters were trying to extinguish the fire. One of them was injured too.

Locals say that the gas station had no legal permit to operate and they demanded its dismantling for a long time, as the facts of gas leakage have not been reported in the past. Despite the population`s demand, the local government has not dismantled the gas station, which is why locals blame the authorities.

Batumi Mayor Giorgi Ermakov visited the scene and declared that the liquid gas station had no relevant permission from Batumi City Hall, adding the incident will be investigated by the police. 

By Thea Morrison