Latvian foreign minister's plane skids off runway due to snow
A passenger plane with 44 people on board skidded off the runway in the Latvian capital on Friday, amid heavy snowfall and poor visibility.
Rescue workers and the airline reported that the accident, which occurred at Riga airport, did not result in any injuries, and that the plane was withdrawn for examination, and an investigation has begun.
The airport runway was also temporarily closed.
Latvian Foreign Minister Edgar Renkevige was among those on board.
"An unforgettable week: on my way back from Stockholm to Riga, the plane skidded off the runway," Renkevige wrote on Twitter.
Rinkevege thanked the cabin crew, airport staff and emergency services for their "quick reaction and professional consistency."
Latvia witnessed the beginning of very cold winter weather today, Friday, and the Met Office announced that the snow, which exceeded 20 centimeters thick, covered the capital, Riga, since the early morning.
He pointed out that other parts of the country witnessed heavy snowfall.
The office raised the alert level in Riga to red due to heavy snow.
The authorities called on residents of the capital to avoid using their cars, and to stay in their homes as much as possible.
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