On 12 August, a road accident occurred in the Guria region involving a minibus carrying 19 Belarusian citizens. «As a result of the bus falling into a ravine, four citizens died. Fifteen people, including six minors, sustained injuries of varying severity,» Ruslan Varankov said. Eleven people were taken to the Batumi Republican Clinical Hospital. Two are in intensive care, and their condition is not life-threatening. Four people, in more serious condition, were taken to nearby hospitals in Ozurgeti and Chokhatauri.

The ministry’s press secretary noted that staff from the Belarusian diplomatic mission in Georgia are at the scene and providing all necessary assistance. They will soon be joined by Belarusian Ambassador Nikolai Rogashchuk. Ruslan Varankov also emphasized that the embassy is in constant contact with the criminal and patrol services of Ozurgeti and the hospital management.

Georgia’s Minister for Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health, and Social Protection Mikheil Sarjveladze personally visited the 11 patients at the Republican Hospital overnight. The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and regional authorities are also providing the necessary support.

«We are deeply shocked by the tragedy and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We wish the injured a speedy recovery. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Georgian side, will provide all necessary assistance for the repatriation of the bodies and the return of Belarusian citizens to their homeland,» the press secretary said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Belarusian citizens to be cautious when choosing tour operators and to carefully plan their travel routes when traveling abroad.