Hotel Fire in Black Sea City Batumi Kills 12

Around 150 fire-fighters and 200 Police officers have been mobilized at the Leo Grand hotel in Georgia’s Black Sea coastal city Batumi, where an extensive fire killed 12 people, among them 10 are said to be Georgians.

Adjara TV reports that more than 20 people were injured and have already been transferred to the hospitals.

As reported by Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the emergency services were notified of the blaze at 20:01.

Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia told reporters that the firefighters had to use rescue cranes to evacuate the guests from the building.

He added the investigation was launched under article 243 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which means a breach of fire and safety norms.

“The main stairs of the hotel were blocked due to the fire and the hotel guests were stuck on the seventh floor. I would like to thank the fire-fighters, who managed to save around 100 people,” he added.

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, who was returning to Georgia from Brussels, landed in Batumi and visited the scene.

He stressed that the investigation will reveal the causes of the fire and all the responsible persons will be brought to justice in accordance to the law.

“We all stand by the families of the deceased. This is a big tragedy for us,” he added.

A hotline has been launched to exchange information as well as assist the citizens at +995 595 950 925.

By Thea Morrison

Photo source: Netgazeti