Police to assess responsibility for chemical burns at Liepaja race

Latvia’s State Police is reviewing a complaint over chemical burns suffered by several riders during an enduro race at the former Liepaja Metalurgs factory site, LSM reported, citing TV Kurzeme. The event organisers described the incident as an unforeseeable combination of circumstances, while the State Environmental Service said the risks had not been adequately assessed before the race.

Environmental Service tests found that water at the site was highly alkaline, well above the permitted level, and that the soil contained a high concentration of calcium.

The service said the site’s owners were responsible for its upkeep, but organisers also should have taken the contamination into account. Responsibility for the territory rests with the Liepaja Special Economic Zone and the Liepaja municipality, which decides whether events can be held there.

Liepaja Special Economic Zone manager Uldis Hmielevskis said there had been no indication of the potential danger. The lime had been exposed to the elements for more than a decade, he said.

Police received a complaint from a representative of a minor rider seeking an assessment of injuries and damage to a motorcycle during the race. Police spokesperson Madara Šeršņova said officers were reviewing the facts in the complaint and would decide on further action.