27 killed in residential home fire in Latvia

Up to 27 people have been killed in a fire at a home for disabled people in western Latvia. Officials say it is one of the highest death tolls from a blaze in the country’s history. Flames swept quickly through the buidling in the village of Alsunga. It is thought an electrical fault linked to the central heating system may have been the cause.

Temperatures in the region had plummetted to below -30 celsius in some areas. The extreme conditions may also have hampered fire fighters with reports that water froze in their hoses. Most of the 90 residents were evacuated safely. Wednesday has been proposed as a day of mourning.

Copyright © 2012 euronews