At the scene, it was found that after the explosion, the building was burning and smoldering in some places.The reasons for the explosion will be steadfast by the State Police, but it is likely that gas exploded.
A person was rescued from the apartment affected by the explosion and handed over to the doctors of the Emergency Medical Service. Before the arrival of VUGD, 13 people evacuated from the building on their own.
Representatives of the Riga Civil Defence Commission are present at the scene, as well as representatives of the Riga City Construction Board who will inspect the building’s structures.
Mārtiņš Vilemsons, acting Head of the External Dialog Department of Riga Municipality, informed the LETA agency that a gas explosion may have occurred in the apartment. In the explosion, the glass in the apartment on the second and third floors was broken.
After localizing the fire, the building inspector will inspect the house in the near future to decide on the further operation of the building. The building has 52 private apartments and is managed by an owners’ association. Currently, the gas supply to the building is disconnected, which means that there will be no heating in the house. A “Rīgas satiksme” bus has gone to the scene, where the evacuated residents will be able to stay until the inspector’s decision is made as to whether they can return to the building.
If the building is unusable after a fire or other accident, the Riga Municipality offers apartment owners both social assistance and the chance to settle in temporary accommodation.
Evacuated residents have the right to receive a crisis benefit from the municipality – up to 700 euros per person or up to 1400 euros per family. The benefit in a crisis situation can be requested within two months from the day of the crisis situation.
Residents can apply for crisis benefits to the Riga Social Service by calling 67105048.
Residents are also invited to contact the Social Service if they need any other help, such as clothing, food packages, renewal of documents, or any other social support. More facts on social assistance options is available by calling 80005055.
Residents who need temporary living space are currently offered a room in a municipal hotel for up to five days. They are invited to contact the municipal police on the phone number 112 regarding accommodation options in the hotel.
Injured and endangered persons have the right to apply for a temporary living space and a one-time allowance for repairs in the event that the living space or the residential house has suffered as a result of an act of terrorism,natural disaster,accident or other disaster and the Department of Urban Development has made a decision to prohibit the operation of the residential house until the danger is eliminated.
In order to receive residential premises rented by the municipality, where you can stay for up to six months, but no longer than a year, residents must apply to the Housing and Environment Department of the Riga City Council.
If the premises are recognized as renovable, apartment owners will be able to apply for a one-time allowance for repairs – up to 10,000 euros.
How can homeowners prevent gas leaks and enhance safety in their residences?
Interview: Time.news Editor Engages wiht Explosive Safety Expert
Editor: Good afternoon,and welcome to Time.news! Today, we have with us Dr. Emily Harrison, a leading expert in explosive safety and emergency response. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Harrison.
Dr. Harrison: Thank you for having me. it’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right into a recent incident that raised notable concerns.We heard about a building explosion, which reportedly left the structure charred and smoldering. The State Police are investigating the cause,but early indications point to a possible gas explosion. Can you explain how common such incidents are?
Dr. Harrison: Absolutely. Gas explosions can be somewhat common in urban areas, especially in older buildings or those with inadequate maintenance. They often occur when there’s a leak due to corroded pipes or faulty appliances. Without proper detection systems, these leaks can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Editor: That’s alarming. What are some of the immediate steps responders take when they arrive at the scene of an explosion like this?
Dr. Harrison: The first priorities are ensuring safety and assessing the situation. Fire departments will typically work on extinguishing any fires while together looking for injured individuals. Emergency responders may also evacuate nearby buildings to prevent further casualties,which is crucial in densely populated areas.
Editor: You mentioned the assessment of the situation. Based on what we know, a person was rescued from the scene. How critical is fast action in situations like these?
Dr. Harrison: Quick action is vital. In explosive scenarios, every second counts. Rescuers need to be cautious of potential secondary explosions and structural instability. However, prompt rescue efforts can dramatically increase the chances of survival for victims trapped in the debris.
editor: As the investigation continues, what protocols do authorities typically follow to determine the cause of an explosion?
Dr. Harrison: Investigating the cause of an explosion involves a systematic approach. Investigators will look for physical evidence, including the location of the blast, remaining gas lines, and any appliances affected. They may also interview witnesses and examine maintenance records to pinpoint any negligence or safety violations.
Editor: And considering these incidents often result from human error, what preventative measures can be put in place to reduce the risks?
Dr. Harrison: Education and safety regulations are critical. Regular inspections of gas systems, public awareness campaigns about the signs of gas leaks, and ensuring that buildings comply with safety codes can substantially reduce the risks. Encouraging residents to install carbon monoxide detectors and gas leak alarms can also make a difference.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Harrison! It’s clear that timely action and preventive measures are essential in preventing such tragic incidents. Before we wrap up, is there a final thought you’d like to leave our audience with?
Dr. Harrison: Yes, I encourage everyone to be proactive about safety in their homes and communities. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, don’t hesitate to call emergency services. Everyone has a role to play in keeping our environments safe.
Editor: Wise words indeed! Thank you once again, Dr. Harrison, for sharing your invaluable insights with us today.
Dr. Harrison: Thank you for having me!
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in to this discussion. Be sure to stay safe and informed. Until next time!