Latvia Supermarket Collapse: 33 Killed

Rescue teams are searching among the rubble of a Latvian supermarket which collapsed and killed at least 33 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 at around 6pm 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 now remain trapped in the ruined store.

Rescue teams have been working slowly, fearing a further collapse

The cause of the collapse has not been confirmed but police said a winter garden, involving large amounts of soil, was being built on the roof.

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

Work is continuing slowly however 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.

It is unclear how many people are still trapped in the rubble

Thirty eight people were injured in the collapse, according to latest police figures, and sniffer dogs are helping in the search.

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

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

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," Mr Radzevics told Latvian television.

Three days of mourning, starting on Saturday, have been announced as the country marks its worst accident since regaining independence in 1991.

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