At least 12 people, including foreigners have died from carbon monoxide poisoning at the largest and highest ski resort in Georgia, police in the European country have confirmed.

According to the BBC, the bodies of the victims, which included 11 foreigners, were found in a sleeping area above a restaurant in Gudauri ski resort on Saturday, prompting police to open an investigation.

Police said “preliminary tests do not indicate any trace of violence on the bodies” and it appeared to be an accident, the AFP news agency reported.

The building where the bodies were found had lost electricity on Friday, prompting an oil-powered generator to be turned on, authorities in the country said.

Fumes emitted by the generator could have resulted in carbon monoxide poisoning, which is very deadly when exposed to for a long duration.

Meanwhile, authorities are yet to release the identities of the victims as investigation continues into the incident.

The history of the Gudauri ski resort goes back as far as the 19th century when it served as a popular trading post on the ancient Georgian Military Road linking Russia with Georgia.

However, it is now a popular ski resort for tourists who are skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with a range of winter sports activities for visitors of all levels.