Shatili road accident claims lives of 17 people

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has released a statement regarding the accident on Shatili road.

According to the agency, the rescue operation in Dusheti was carried out under the direct supervision of the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and the Head of the Emergency Management Service.

"During the accident on the 64th kilometer of the Zhinvali-Barisakho-Shatili highway, a minibus fell from a height of about 80 meters. As a result of the accident, 17 people died and 3 citizens were seriously injured.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs - Ioseb Chelidze and Head of the Emergency Management Service - Temur Mghebrishvili were on the ground and personally led the rescue operation.

Despite the limited visibility, difficult meteorological and landscape conditions, the rescue operation continued until late night in full compliance with safety standards”, reads the statement.

According to the agency, the three injured citizens were hospitalized and are currently under the supervision of doctors.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs launched an investigation under Article 276 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.