Latvian authorities find hazardous chemicals in Riga

Large amounts of hazardous chemicals were discovered in a former industrial territory in the Latvian capital Riga on Friday, a representative of the State Environmental Service said.

On Friday, the State Fire and Rescue received a callout to former industrial grounds in Purvciems neighborhood where large amounts of chemicals, including barium hydroxide, a highly toxic chemical, had been found in various packaging. The premises are being used by various companies.

Environmental inspectors, as well as police and rescuers arrived at the scene to assess the situation and take measures to prevent possible damage from the chemicals.

Viktorija Gribuste, a representative of the State Fire and Rescue Service, said that it was difficult for the rescuers to immediately assess the situation as it was getting dark. It was also not clear if any of the chemicals had leaked into the environment. Gribuste said that the rescuers were fencing off the territory.

The State Environmental Service established that the property where the hazardous substances were found belongs to a chemical company Biolar. The substances found on the property also included some explosives, the State Environmental Service's representative Maruta Buklevica said. Enditem