Maxima faces second trial

  • 2014-07-03
  • From wire reports

RIGA - The State Police has started another criminal process concerning violations of work safety regulations at Maxima Latvija, reports LETA. The criminal process began after receiving the State Labor Inspection Office’s findings. It is through a criminal process that the facts around violations in the roof collapse tragedy are expected to be delivered, and to then allow for proper evaluation of the events, and whether the employer has to be called to justice.

The police wishes to highlight that four Maxima employees lost their lives in the collapse, and that two more suffered severe injuries. This is the second criminal process in regard to the Zolitude Maxima tragedy. The first one concerned a forgery of documents, for which the prosecutor ordered a fine of 1,920 euros.

The violation of work safety regulations, if they have led to health problems and bodily injuries, is punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, short-term detention, community service, or a fine. In case the violations have caused death or severe bodily injuries, the punishment can be imprisonment up to five years, short-term detention, community service or a fine. On Nov. 21, 54 people lost their lives in the roof collapse at the Zolitude Maxima supermarket.