WORLD
Up to 21 dead, dozens feared trapped after Latvia mall collapse
Baku, November 22 (AZERTAC). Twenty one people have reportedly been killed and at least 40 others injured after the roof of a large store collapsed in the Latvian capital. Rescuers continue searching for several dozen people who may still be trapped in the rubble.
The latest update comes from the local State Fire and Rescue Service.
At least three of those killed were state fire and rescue service officials.
Some 500 square meters of roof caved in at the ‘Maxima XX’ building in the capital, Riga.
The initial collapse was followed by a second cave-in just as the first responders at the scene were helping the victims. Two rescuers were killed by the second collapse.
According to the latest reports, so far rescuers have managed to save 36 people from the rubble. At least one child has suffered a moderate head injury and has been hospitalized along with dozens of victims.
“At least 70 people may still be trapped in the rubble, according to the latest data,” Riga`s mayor Nils Usakovs said.
Rescue operations are still underway with the military personnel assisting, and workers are continuing to look for victims.
A total of 400 people are working at the scene including local and state police, some local home guards and at least 17 units of medics as well as 13 fire brigades. Soldiers of the National Armed Force are also helping look for the victims with dog units. Another 40 soldiers were sent from the army garrison, local media reports.