Fire breaks out at Latvian factory providing drones to Ukraine

Latvian media reported that employees at the drone production facility had said that the fire broke out after an explosion.

By TZVI JOFFRE
Updated: FEBRUARY 8, 2023 13:34
A view shows a fire at the Edge Autonomy drone factory in Marupe, Latvia, February 7, 2023, in this picture obtained from social media. (photo credit: ANDIS AGARELOVS/VIA REUTERS)
A view shows a fire at the Edge Autonomy drone factory in Marupe, Latvia, February 7, 2023, in this picture obtained from social media.
(photo credit: ANDIS AGARELOVS/VIA REUTERS)

A fire broke out at a factory belonging to the Edge Autonomy company, which provides drones to Ukraine, on Tuesday, according to Latvian reports. Three people were injured in the fire.

The factory is located in Mārupe, on the outskirts of the capital Riga. Photos from the scenes showed flames and a heavy plume of smoke visible from outside the facility.

Latvia's State Fire and Rescue Service asked residents in the area to close their windows and doors and turn off their ventilation as the smoke could be harmful.

The Latvian Delfi news site reported that employees at the facility had said that the fire broke out after an explosion.

A Ukrainian serviceman stands at a stop of public transport near a frontline, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine January 29, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi)
A Ukrainian serviceman stands at a stop of public transport near a frontline, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine January 29, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi)

Latvian police to investigate cause of fire

State Police will investigate the incident in order to determine the cause of the fire.

The California-based Edge Autonomy company has produced drones and other technologies used by 78 countries, including the Ukrainian military.



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