Tensions erupt in Bolnisi municipality, Georgia, after fatal accident

A confrontation in the village of Nakhiduri, Bolnisi Municipality, left several Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) employees and eight civilians injured, according to an official statement from the MIA.

The incident followed a tragic traffic accident on the central highway, which claimed the lives of two minors. The accident led to tensions among local residents who gathered at the scene, escalating into clashes between citizens and law enforcement officers.

The MIA reported that the crowd overturned both the vehicle involved in the collision and an ambulance. Additionally, they damaged vehicles belonging to other citizens at the site, obstructed passengers from leaving the accident vehicle, and hindered law enforcement officers from conducting investigative actions. Emergency medical personnel were also prevented from performing their duties.

To de-escalate the situation, various MIA units, including Patrol, Criminal, and Special Tasks Departments, were dispatched to the scene. Despite their efforts, multiple officers sustained injuries during the confrontation.

The eight injured civilians received medical treatment, with some still hospitalized. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.