In 1949, a tragedy occurred during military surveys of underground caves and passages in the Kobyakovskoye ancient settlement and the Esina gully. These surveys were conducted to create a network of underground communications for the planned center of control of troops in the North Caucasus Military District. The purpose of the surveys is disputed, with one version suggesting it was ordered by the "competent authorities." At the time, there was no highway in the area, and archaeological work was accelerated to prevent damage to historical artifacts. During the excavations, archaeologists discovered previously unknown underground structures, including an extensive and complex cave system. The locals were aware of these caves, which had a bad reputation due to people and cattle disappearing there. Two soldiers were sent to scout and create a general plan of the caves, equipped with supplies but no weapons. After going underground twice, the soldiers disappeared, and communication with them ceased.