Family finds son's bones in hay barn tragedy in Smiltene region
More than a month and a half after a fire killed a 14-year-old boy in a hay barn in Smiltene municipality, the family claims they discovered their son's bones at the scene and criticize the police investigation.
/nginx/o/2026/07/22/17798983t1hd763.png)
On May 31, a fire in a hay barn in Branti Parish, Smiltene municipality, claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy. The family has been waiting to bury their child, but a shocking discovery has prolonged their ordeal.
According to Latvian Television, on June 5, relatives came to place flowers and candles at the site. There, they found bones. The foster father, Ivars, said they reported the find to the police on June 8. The family believes that some remains are still scattered in the barn and accuse the police of an insufficient search — only the spot where the wife found a large bone was examined.
The State Police have launched a criminal investigation and are considering all possible versions. DNA tests have been ordered. Police cite the extensive fire and firefighting efforts as complicating the collection of remains, as water may have washed away some bones. Until the investigation is complete, no further comments are provided.
The police also urge parents to discuss safety with their children during the summer break, emphasizing fire safety and the importance of informing parents about their whereabouts.
/nginx/o/2026/07/22/17799414t1hb866.jpg)
