Suspicions have been brought against two environmental protection officers over a tire recycling factory fire in Alytus, southern Lithuania.
The devastating fire at the werehouses of Ekologistika broke out on October 16 last year and took more than a week to put out. The environmental damage could last decades, with regional farmers being particularly affected.
Read more: Lithuania grapples with ecological effects of tire warehouse fire
The two environmental quality control specialists from Kaunas, Aušra Bružienė and Aušra Kričenienė, are suspected of failing to carry out their duties. Suspicions against them were brought on Friday.
“Both specialists refuse to cooperate with law enforcement institutions [...] refuse to provide evidence and explain the incident's circumstances,” Kaunas prosecutors said.
Five people are now suspects in the investigation, including the company's manager. If found guilty, they face fines or prison sentences of up to six years.
