Belarus MFA statement on accident involving Belarusian citizens in Georgia

On August 12, 2026, a road accident occurred in the Guria region of Georgia involving a minibus carrying 19 citizens of the Republic of Belarus.

As a result of the bus falling into a ravine, four citizens died. Fifteen people, including six minors, sustained injuries of varying severity.

Eleven people were taken to the Republican Hospital in Batumi, two of whom are in intensive care; their condition is stable and not life-threatening.

Four others in more serious condition were taken to nearby hospitals in Ozurgeti and Chokhatauri. Their condition is assessed as moderate to severe.

Belarusian diplomatic mission staff in Georgia are on site providing all necessary assistance. Ambassador of Belarus to Georgia Nikolai Rogaschuk will join them shortly. The embassy maintains constant contact with the criminal and patrol services in Ozurgeti and with hospital administrations.

Georgian Minister for Internally Displaced Persons from Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs Mikhail Sarjveladze personally visited 11 patients at the Republican Hospital overnight. Assistance is also being provided by the leadership of Georgia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the regional authorities.

We are deeply shaken by the tragedy and express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a swift recovery to the injured. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Georgian side, will provide all necessary assistance in repatriating the deceased and returning Belarusian citizens home.

We urge our citizens to pay close attention when choosing tour operators and to carefully plan travel routes before going abroad.