The employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs found 5 bodies under the rubble of the residential building in Batumi. As for the two injured citizens rescued from the ruins, one of them died after being transferred to the hospital.
The Minister of Internal Affairs remains at the site of the collapsed residential building in Batumi. Vakhtang Gomelauri made a comment regarding the rescue operation, as well as o persons detained within the framework of the ongoing investigation.
"We worked all night and for that I would like to thank the rescuers as well as people involved and special technic operators who did not stop overnight.
Unfortunately, 5 bodies were found and transferred to morgue. We are searching for three more people, according to the operative information at our disposal, there should be not more than that.
As for criminal responsibility, we initiated investigation against 3 people- the apartment owner and two more citizens who were working on renovation. The court will have to determine whether the collapse was a result of their activities or other circumstances.
As you see, rescuers are working by hand and have to be cautious with every single brick so that not to hurt anyone under the ruins. After those who are missing are found, the intensity of the operation may be increased. The special technic will be involved in clear-up activities.
"The investigation is working in various directions, in case of revealing other participants of the crime, they will certainly be held accountable," – stated Vakhtang Gomelauri.
