In pictures: Latvia rescue after deadly store collapse
- Published
Rescue workers in Latvia have been searching for survivors in the rubble of a supermarket in the capital Riga.
More than 40 people died when the store's roof collapsed on Thursday evening. The shop was busy with customers at the time.
Among those killed were emergency workers who were helping people already trapped when more of the roof came down.
The cause of the collapse is unclear, although a garden was being constructed on the roof at the time.
Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (centre) said a criminal investigation had been launched into "violation of construction norms".
Rescue workers faced difficult conditions searching for survivors and bodies in the ruins of the supermarket on Friday.
People have been waiting at the scene for news of their loved ones. Earlier relatives were asked to help emergency services find victims by calling their mobile phones.
Rescue workers worked through the night, using mechanical cutters to clear debris from the single-storey concrete and glass building.
Police say 38 people were injured. It was unclear how many people were in the building at the time.
Witnesses said customers tried to run out after the first part of the roof collapsed but the supermarket's electronic doors closed, trapping them inside.
Walls and windows crumbled leaving the shell of the building filled with rubble. The store, part of the Maxima retail chain, opened in 2011 and was nominated for an architectural award.
- Published22 November 2013
- Published22 November 2013
- Published22 August 2023
