As a result of the road accident on Zhinvali-Barisakho-Shatili main road N64, mini bus fell over a rocky slope, from the height of approximately 80 meters. Due to the car accident, 17 people died and 3 were seriously injured, said Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs – Ioseb Tchelidze and Head of Emergency Situations Management Agency – Temur Mgebrishvili arrived at the site of the road accident and directly coordinate the rescue operation.

“Despite the limited visibility, difficult meteorological and relief conditions, the rescue operations continued in full swing until late in full compliance with safety standards. Criminal police, as well as patrol police crews, fire- rescuer teams of Emergency Situations Management Agency and special technic are mobilized at the scene. Emergency Ambulance crews are also deployed at the place of the road accident,”said MIA.

The injured persons were taken to a safe place by rescuers and transferred to the treating facility by the ambulance crews afterwards. At this moment they are under the supervision of the medical personnel at the treating facility.

Ministry of Internal Affairs has already launched investigation regarding the mentioned fact under the article 276 envisaged by the Criminal Code of Georgia.