Burned motorcyclists consider suing Liepaja race organisers

Seven riders suffered chemical burns during a motorcycle race in Liepaja and may take legal action against the organisers, LSM reported. Most of the injured participants are still receiving treatment. The State Environmental Service said the injuries were caused by a lime reagent used in metallurgy.

Seventeen-year-old Ingus Supe, from Sigulda, suffered moderately severe burns covering 21% of his body during the Amber Piston Hard Enduro race. He was first taken to Liepaja Regional Hospital and later transferred to the Children’s Clinical University Hospital. He is now home but does not know when he will be able to return to sport.

Supe said he and his family were still waiting to learn whether the burns would leave scars. If they do, he said, they may consider taking action against someone.

The race had 63 competitors from the Baltic states and took place on the grounds of the former Liepaja Metalurgs factory, which is included on the state list of polluted and potentially polluted sites. The seven riders suffered burns of varying severity.