On the other hand, after 11 a.m., Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (JV) went to the temporary memorial in Zolitude to commemorate those who died in the Zolitude tragedy.
As reported, today in Riga, the victims who died in the collapse of the store “Maxima” in Zolitūde on November 21, 2013 are being commemorated.
As the LETA agency was informed by the association “Zolitude 21.11.” representative Regīna Ločmele, this year the municipality has not announced extensive events to commemorate the victims, but at 5:43 p.m. - at the time when the shop’s roof collapsed – both the victims and their relatives, as well as those residents who consider it their duty to be together at this moment, will gather at the temporary memorial.
Most likely, representatives of the State Fire and Rescue Service will also participate in the event, remembering their deceased colleagues.
It has already been reported that on November 21, 2013, when the “Maxima” supermarket collapsed in Zolitude, 54 people lost their lives, and several dozen were seriously injured. In eleven years, the case against those involved has gone through two court instances, but the final verdict has not yet been reached. The first two court instances found only the construction engineer Ivars Sergeta guilty.
The Supreme Court will hear the criminal case of the Zolitude tragedy in a written process on December 19.
How has the Zolitude tragedy impacted safety regulations in other countries?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on the Zolitude Tragedy
Editor: Good day, and thank you for joining us. Today, we’re delving into a profound event in Latvian history — the Zolitude tragedy. We have with us Dr. Antra Lapiņa, a sociologist and expert on crisis management. Dr. Lapiņa, could you begin by setting the scene for our readers? What happened on that fateful day in November 2013?
Dr. Lapiņa: Thank you for having me. The Zolitude tragedy occurred on November 21, 2013, when the roof of a “Maxima” supermarket in the Zolitūde suburb of Riga collapsed. This catastrophic event led to the loss of 54 lives and injured many others. It was not only a tragedy in terms of loss of life but also shook the very foundations of trust in safety regulations and government oversight in Latvia.
Editor: That day must have left a lasting impact on the community. Can you describe the emotional significance of the memorials held for the victims?
Dr. Lapiņa: Absolutely. Memorials like the one attended by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa today are crucial for the grieving process. They serve as a space for collective mourning and remembrance, allowing families and friends to honor those they lost. This solidarity helps the community heal and brings to light important discussions around safety and accountability.
Editor: It’s heartening to see leadership engaging in these commemorative acts. How has the Zolitude tragedy influenced policies or regulations on building safety in Latvia?
Dr. Lapiņa: The tragedy exposed severe flaws in regulatory oversight, leading to public outcry and demands for change. In the aftermath, there was a push for stricter safety regulations and better enforcement of existing laws to prevent such disasters in the future. While progress has been made, it remains essential for the government to prioritize transparency and public safety.
Editor: Reflecting on the long-term psychological effects, what can communities learn from such tragic incidents?
Dr. Lapiņa: Communities can learn the importance of preparedness and resilience. Engaging in open dialogues about safety, disaster response, and recovery can empower individuals. It’s also vital for communities to have psychological support systems in place to assist those affected, not only during the immediate aftermath but for years to come.
Editor: how can we ensure that the memory of those lost in tragedies like Zolitude is preserved, while also pushing for positive change?
Dr. Lapiņa: Commemoration should be intertwined with advocacy. By continuing to honor their memory, we not only pay tribute to the victims but also keep the conversation alive about necessary changes. It’s a dual process — remembering helps to create a narrative that influences policy, and policy change ensures that such tragedies are less likely to happen in the future.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lapiņa, for sharing your insights with us today. The Zolitude tragedy serves as a profound reminder of the importance of safety, community resilience, and the power of remembrance in fostering change.
Dr. Lapiņa: Thank you for having me. It’s vital to keep these conversations ongoing as we work towards a safer future together.