The Prime Minister of Lithuania stated that there is currently no information suggesting that a significant fire in Vilnius was caused by sabotage, as investigations continue.
A significant fire broke out in an industrial building in Vilnius on Thursday evening, prompting comments from Lithuania's Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene and Vilnius Mayor Valds Benkunsks. The fire, which occurred near the airport at around 9 PM, involved a warehouse containing various flammable items, including electric scooters with lithium-ion batteries. The mayor highlighted that the building's roof collapsed during the fire and that while significant portions of the structure were engulfed, no injuries were reported.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, both Ruginiene and Benkunsks emphasized that there is no current information indicating any sabotage related to the incident. The Prime Minister asserted that authorities are still gathering data, and the details surrounding the fire's origin remain unknown. Mayor Benkunsks echoed this sentiment, advising against speculation concerning potential causes as official inquiries are underway.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about safety in industrial areas, especially those housing flammable materials. Given the presence of electric scooters with lithium batteries, the implications for future regulations and safety protocols could be significant. The timely response of emergency services in localizing the fire by Friday morning prevented any casualties, but it raises questions about safety measures in such warehouses, particularly in urban settings near populated areas and critical infrastructure like airports.
