Batumi Fire - Hotel Owner Says Safety Standards Were Followed

Following an investigation into the tragic hotel blaze in the black sea city of Batumi this weekend, the Leogrand hotel has not been fined for neglecting safety guidelines. According to the owner, Erol Avegoren, safety measures were in line with standards. 

"The security measures at the hotel meet national standards. The hotel has never been fined for non-observance of the safety rules," Avgoren told reporters today. 

Despite Avgoren’s comment of a clean safety record, Kakha Tsereteli, Lawyer of the hotel Leogrand, stated that the hotel was fined 100 GEL on June 20. 

"The hotel was fined on June 20 with regard to fire-extinguishers. The hotel corrected the deficiency, but, unfortunately, a tragedy occurred. The company will support the families," Kakha Tsereteli said. 

The owner expressed his condolences to the family members of the victims. According to him, the staff team will continue to work as normal. 

11 people were killed in the fire, including 10 Georgians and 1 citizen of the Republic of Iran. 21 people were injured, including a firefighter, 4 Turkish citizens and 1 Israeli citizen.

By Tom Day