Latvia Collapse Of Supermarket Roof Kills At Least 50 People (VIDEO)

Update on Latvia Collapse Of Supermarket Roof: A major rescue operation is under way in the Latvian capital Riga after the roof of a store packed with shoppers caved in. Rescue teams are searching among the rubble of a Latvian supermarket which collapsed and killed at least 50 people.

Fire trucks and ambulances remain at the Maxima shopping centre in the capital Riga, and rescue workers are using mechanical cutters and cranes to clear debris from the single-storey building.
Among the dead are three firefighters.

The roof of the supermarket collapsed on Thursday evening when the store was busy with shoppers on their way home from work.

Firefighters were injured by a second collapse shortly after their arrival on the scene. It is unclear how many people remain trapped in the ruined store.

Rescuers are periodically silencing their equipment and asking relatives to call their loved ones so anyone trapped can be pinpointed.

Work is continuing slowly as remaining sections of the roof are unstable and rescuers believe another collapse could occur.

“In the past hours no survivors have been found,” said rescue service spokeswoman Viktorija Sembele on Friday morning. Thirty five injured people have been rescued and police sniffer dogs are helping the search.

More than 60 soldiers are also involved, the army said.

European Commission President Jose Barroso issued a message of condolence after the collapse.

“I am deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy,” he said. “Please convey my expression of deepest sympathy and solidarity to the families of the victims and those who lost their lives in rescuing people as well as to all those affected by this tragic accident.”

Visiting the scene, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis confirmed police had launched a criminal investigation into the cause of the incident.

Theories about why the roof caved in centre on plans to cover it in grass as part of a greening project. Council official Juris Radzevics confirmed that the roof of the supermarket, built in 2011, was in the process of being turned into a green area.

“The project was submitted in accordance with all regulations but of course we will be looking at whether materials and works were carried out to the proper standards,” Radzevics told Latvian television.

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