fbpx

Man dies in Zugdidi tobacco warehouse explosion

8 May 2017
(Radio Atinati)

A tobacco warehouse exploded on the night of 8 April in Zugdidi, a town in the north west of Georgia, killing one man.

Beso Jgushia, 44, was the manager of the warehouse on the town’s Dgebuadze Street.

According to a preliminary investigation, the explosion was caused by a short circuit. The building was completely destroyed, with debris scattered over a 60–70 metre radius. Nearby houses were not damaged, but a small nut factory was damaged. The explosion was followed by a fire, which was contained by firefighters.

Jgushua’s remains were discovered under the ruins of the building two hours after the explosion.

The building was a former UN office which had been converted into warehouses. The owners of the warehouse told journalists that they didn’t store any explosive or flammable substances, or any kind of ammunition in the building, and it’s unclear to them why the explosion was so powerful.

According to local radio station Radio Atinati, police are investigating whether the explosion was intentionally caused.

Fierce, independent journalism

Let’s be honest, the media situation in the Caucasus is grim. Every day we are accused of ‘serving the enemy’ whoever that enemy may be. Our journalists have been harassed, arrested, beaten, and exiled. But nevertheless, we persevere. For us this is a labour of love. Unfortunately, we cannot run OC Media on love alone, journalism is expensive and funding is scarce. Our sole mission is to serve the interests of all peoples of the region. You can support us today for as little as $1 a month and join us in the fight for a better Caucasus.

Support Us