Jāņi Holidays in Latvia Marked by Multiple Deaths; Police Arrest 20 Drunk Drivers
The long Jāņi (Midsummer) holidays in Latvia have been overshadowed by tragic statistics – several people died on roads, in water, and in a fire, with emergency services responding to over 900 calls.
During the Jāņi night, a young man died in a road accident in Balvi municipality. In total, three people lost their lives on Latvian roads over the four-day holiday period. The State Police arrested 20 drivers who got behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol in the past day, with the vast majority being heavily intoxicated.
The Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) received more than 900 calls. According to NMPD representative Ilze Bukša, many injuries are recurring annually: three people were injured jumping over or lighting bonfires and were hospitalized with serious burns. A child suffered burns when their shoulders touched a hot grill. Three people choked while eating shashlik – in one case, bystanders had to provide first aid and begin resuscitation.
Two people drowned. Serious injuries also occurred while riding ATVs and overturning. One person sustained severe burns while cutting hogweed. There were also other incidents, including criminal injuries and stab wounds. In Rēzekne, a person died in an apartment fire, according to the State Fire and Rescue Service.
In the past 24 hours, a total of 106 traffic accidents were recorded, injuring 16 people. A large proportion of the incidents are linked to alcohol consumption, the NMPD notes. The police continue heightened checks on the roads.
