The Prime Minister of Georgia expresses grief over the death of crew members, rescuers and doctors as a result of the crash of the Border Police helicopter of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Gudauri.

“I express deep sorrow over the death of crew members, rescuers and doctors as a result of the crash of the Border Police helicopter of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Gudauri.

In these difficult moments, I express my sincere condolences and support to the family members and relatives of the deceased, to the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to our entire society.

Due to the tragedy, July 30 will be declared as a day of mourning in the country”, - reads the statement of Irakli Garibashvili.

The helicopter on a rescue operation in Gudauri lost control and crashed in a ravine. The MIA said the helicopter had been carrying rescuers of the Emergency Management Service and first aid responders called to assist paragliders who had ended up in the ravine earlier. There were 4 crew members onboard the helicopter, as well as 2 rescuers from the emergency management service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and 2 medics from the emergency coordination and emergency assistance centre.