Today is a day of mourning in Georgia and flags on all government buildings are flying at half mast for the victims of a residential building collapse in the country’s Black Sea town of Batumi last week, claiming nine lives, including minors. 

The fatal incident took place on October 8 in one of the entrances of a seven-storey residential building in Batumi on the 26th May street. 

Three individuals have been charged by the Prosecutor’s Office for violating safety regulations during the construction work in the residential building which caused the death. 

A charge has been filed against one of the flat owners in the building and two workers. 

Tbilisoba City Fest 2021, which was scheduled for October 24, has been cancelled following the tragic collapse and the funds allocated for the event will be spent for the families living in the building. 

Georgian PM, interior minister and other officials were present at the scene, expressing deep sorrow of the tragedy. 

Georgia has received a number of condolences over the incident from foreign leaders and diplomats.