Young seasonal worker killed in tractor accident at Latraps grain facility in Eleja

A fatal workplace accident occurred at the grain pre-processing complex operated by the agricultural service cooperative "Latraps" in Eleja, resulting in the death of a young seasonal worker.

According to the State Police, a man born in 1984 was driving a tractor when he struck a young man born in 2009. The younger man died at the scene from his injuries. Police have opened a criminal proceeding and are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

Labour Inspectorate launches investigation

Dainis Deigelis, a representative of the State Labour Inspectorate (VDI), said the agency was notified of the accident by both Latraps' occupational safety specialist and the State Police. Inspectors from VDI's Zemgale regional office traveled to the scene immediately and began investigative work.

Inspectors have already interviewed staff, requested relevant documents, and inspected the accident site to determine how the tragedy occurred. The VDI expressed its deepest condolences to the victim's relatives.

Company temporarily closes complex

Following the accident, Latraps temporarily closed the Eleja grain pre-processing complex and pledged to provide investigators with all necessary information.

Latraps board chairman Roberts Strīpnieks expressed condolences to the victim's family, relatives and colleagues, describing it as a tragedy that should never have happened. He promised the company would do everything possible to help clarify the circumstances of the incident and to support the victim's family.