Seven athletes suffer chemical burns during motorsport event in Liepāja

Seven motorsport athletes from across the Baltic states sought medical assistance after suffering chemical burns during the ‘Amber Piston Hard Enduro’ competition. The event took place on October 24 at the former ‘Liepājas metalurgs’ factory site in Liepāja, Latvia.

According to Liepāja Regional Hospital, the victims sustained light to moderate chemical burns to their lower limbs and are receiving outpatient treatment. Four athletes with more severe burns have sought further evaluation at the State Burn Center.

Kaspars Ērkulis of the Latvian Motorsports Federation stated that the competition had received all necessary approvals and that participants were insured. He described the incident as an unfortunate coincidence rather than organizer negligence, noting the technical terrain of the abandoned factory was suitable for high-difficulty racing.

The State Environmental Service has collected soil samples for analysis to determine the cause of the chemical exposure.