A deadly explosion ripped through a residential building in Riga, Latvia, on Thursday afternoon, claiming the life of a gas company employee and injuring three others. The incident on Bauskas Street marks the second meaningful building event in Riga in just over a year, following a partial collapse in Torņakalns in January 2026 [[2]], and raises concerns about infrastructure safety in the capital city. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast,with preliminary findings suggesting possible tampering with a gas pipe.
A gas leak and subsequent explosion in a residential building in Latvia’s capital, Riga, on Thursday resulted in one fatality and left three people injured, according to reports from emergency services.
The incident occurred at a building located on Bauskas Street 15. Emergency services were initially alerted to the situation at 3:20 PM local time after residents reported smelling gas. According to early reports, a worker for the gas company “Gaso” was killed in the explosion.
Upon arrival, a “Gaso” emergency team detected a heightened concentration of gas near an apartment on the fifth floor. Attempts to gain access to the apartment were initially blocked by the resident, who closed the door on the technicians. Gas supply to the building and stairwell was immediately cut off, and fire and police services were notified due to suspicions of potential illegal activity.
While safety procedures were underway, an explosion occurred within the fifth-floor apartment. Police are investigating preliminary information suggesting an unidentified individual may have tampered with a gas pipe, triggering the blast.
