Azerbaijan's president Aliyev sends condolences to Georgia after tragic fire in Abkhazia

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, offering condolences following the tragic incident in Saberio village, Gali district of Abkhazia, which claimed the lives of five children.

The information was posted on the official website of the head of state, Caliber.Az reports.

"We were deeply shocked by the news of the death of five children in the fire that broke out in the village of Saberio, Gali district. In connection with this tragedy, I share your grief and extend my heartfelt condolences to you, the families and loved ones of the children who lost their lives, and the entire people of Georgia on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan," the message reads.

To recap, according to available information, the fire started in electrical wires, which resulted in a gas tank exploding in one of the rooms. 

Preliminary reports suggest that the tragedy was caused by negligence. The children's grandmother attempted to light a stove, but accidentally mixed up containers of petrol and kerosene.

The flames engulfed the house in minutes, with neighbours only managing to rescue the grandmother, who is currently receiving treatment in Kutaisi. 

The Georgian government has declared January 9 a day of mourning. 

By Aghakazim Guliyev