Maxima Grupe has told just-food it is too early to assign blame for the collapse of its supermarket in Latvia last week, which left 54 people dead.
According to a spokesperson, at the time the supermarket’s roof collapsed, “there was ongoing construction on the roof above the Maxima store, as well as under the store, where a parking lot was planned”.
Go deeper with GlobalData
She added: “One of the main priorities right now is the safety inspection of the rest of the Maxima stores.”
Riga Mayor Nils Usakovs has ordered the inspection of all buildings that were constructed by Re&Re, the construction company that was the main building contractor for the damaged store in Riga.
The Maxima spokesperson said the retailer is “ready to fully co-operate and provide all necessary information” to any inquiry.
See Also:
Maxima plans to inspect the safety of all stores in Latvia, and rectify any weaknesses. “Currently, the company itself has launched emergency inspections in all stores across Latvia and is ready to co-operate with the [government] departments responsible for carrying out the inspections, and provide them with all necessary information. The team which has already begun to work, is tasked with the most important assignment of conducting the entire building strength and safety inspection, regardless of whether each individual building is occupied by a co-owner or tenant,” the spokesperson said.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataMaxima has pledged to financially support until adulthood the 23 children who lost one or both parents in the collapse.
The spokesperson said the child support payments would amount to LVL1.1m, continuing until the children were 18 years old: “At the moment, of course, the first priority is to help and give support to those who have suffered in the tragedy and their families,” the spokesperson said.
Workers at the collapsed store are on paid vacation to recover from the shock. “If they so choose to go back to work, they will of course be a place for them,” the spokesperson added.
Yesterday, Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis resigned, saying he needed to take “political responsibility” for the tragedy. Maxima declined to comment on Dombrovskis’ resignation.
