Tragic road accident in Shatili
By Khatia Bzhalava
Tuesday, August 25
On August 23rd, on the 64th kilometer of Zhinvali-Barisakho-Shatili highway, a minibus fell down an 80-meter rocky slope. The minibus that was carrying 20 passengers belonged to a travel agency. 17 passengers died as a result of an accident and 3 of the survivors have been transported to the hospital. Flags of all administrative buildings across Georgia will be flying at half-mast in honor of the 17 travelers.
According to doctors, those who survived the accident are in heavy condition.
According to PIA, one of the Georgian media outlets, the minibus had not been checked within the defined date of technical inspection. The information is confirmed by the Technical Inspection Service, where they state that the deadline for inspection for the mentioned minibus was July 13th.
According to reports, before falling into the ravine, the minibus hit an empty car, parked near the road, as a result of which, the minibus slid and fell down the slope.
The majority of the passengers were young people. The families of the deceased individuals lay the responsibility for the accident on the tourist agency. They believe that the safety standards of the passengers were not protected.
The investigation has started under article 276 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which means the violation of traffic safety rules or rules for operating transport.
