Eight deaths from fire at an illegal town in Latvia

Firefighters were called to intervene in a flat on the highest floor of a 6-story building on “Merkel” in the early hours of Wednesday.

At least 24 people were evacuated from the burning building, some of which were burned in the body and breathing barriers due to smoke inhalation, the BBC reported, broadcast Express.

Riga Mayor Martins Stakis said it is believed that most victims are foreign tourists and that the residence was located within a state building and that there was no permission from authorities to use as a guesthouse

He told reporters that police are asking for help to identify the victims and that specialists have been hired to provide assistance to the foreign language of survivors, adding that all affected by fire have been offered alternative housing.

Police deputy commander, Andrejs Grishas, said that in addition to eight deaths, nine other people suffered fire injuries.