Four months after the tragic gas explosion in the building on Bauskas Street in Riga, residents were finally able to access their apartments to retrieve their belongings, reports Latvian Television.
Many people and silence — this is how it looked on Monday, May 11, at the damaged building. Residents were allowed in one by one. Together with a police officer, all damages were recorded. After that, with assistants, they were allowed to go for their belongings. Fastenings were installed on all floors for safety. They were given two hours to gather their things.
"What emotions can there be? When everything is destroyed... I only took out my computer. Shoes. My belongings," said resident Andris.
The explosion occurred on January 2. Its cause was a tenant who attempted to connect to the gas pipe without permission. He and an employee of the Gaso company died. Dozens of people lost their homes.
The next step is the conservation of the vacant apartments. Experts have already confirmed that the building is subject to restoration, but this will require significant funds. Residents are ready to seek financing from funds; fundraising is also ongoing.
