TBILISI, Georgia — Authorities in Georgia have initiated an investigation into potential criminal negligence following the tragic discovery of 12 deceased individuals at an Indian restaurant situated in the ski resort of Gudauri.

According to the Interior Ministry of Georgia, the bodies were located in dormitory quarters on the second level of the restaurant, and preliminary reports suggest that the victims were employed by the establishment.

Officials indicated that there were no apparent signs of foul play at the scene; however, a generator was operating in a closed area close to the rooms where the individuals were found. Although the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed, local news outlets have speculated that the victims may have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning from the generator’s emissions. Residents noted that there was no electricity in the vicinity during the time of the incident, and the generator had been brought inside to provide warmth.

Of the deceased, eleven were identified as Indian nationals, with the twelfth being a Georgian citizen, according to reports from local media. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Indian students in Georgia, many of whom take on employment while pursuing their education.