Georgia announces day of mourning for victims of Batumi resort hotel fire

The Georgia’s government has named Monday, November 27, as an official day of mourning to commemorate the victims of a fire in a luxury hotel in the Black Sea resort of Batumi, according to an official statement. “State flags will fly half-mast across the whole of Georgia to honor the deceased,” the statement reads. The incident took place on Friday night at the five-star Leogrand Hotel-Casino, with fire ripping through the 22-story building, killing at least 11 people and injuring some 20. Hotel personnel and guests alike fell victims to the blaze, but they were still not identified. The Hotel-Casino was set to host the Miss Georgia beauty contest Sunday.