Kimberley ultramarathon organiser claims 'deliberately lit' fire led to burn victims catastrophe

In the wake of the recent out-of-court settlement between burns victim Turia Pitt and Kimberley ultramarathon organiser Racing the Planet, the event organiser has issued a media statement suggesting that the “fire which burnt Ms Pitt was deliberately lit” and welcoming "recent initiatives by the WA acting Minister for Tourism to re-opens these investigations.”

Criticising "extensive misreporting" about the recent settlement "reached between Turia Pitt and Racing the Planet" a statement issued by Sydney-based Ashworth solicitors on behalf of Turia Pitt and Racing the Planet reads as follows:

"There has been extensive misreporting in the media about the settlement reached between Turia Pitt and RacingThePlanet.

"Turia Pitt and RacingThePlanet are issuing this joint statement to correct the misreporting.

“Turia Pitt and RacingThePlanet are pleased that a settlement has been reached and that the parties have avoided a lengthy and uncertain court case.

“The settlement represents a commercial outcome that involved both parties making compromises. Contrary to certain media reports, there have been no admissions of liability. “Media reports as to the settlement amount are also wildly incorrect. RacingThePlanet deeply regrets the injuries suffered by Ms Pitt but strongly denies that it was in any way liable for them.

“RacingThePlanet wishes Ms Pitt all the very best for the future. It hopes that the settlement enables her to move on from this tragic event and to continue to make the fantastic progress in her recovery that has been evident to date.

“Ms Pitt and RacingThePlanet will not be making any further comment in relation to the settlement.

"RacingThePlanet believes it is clear that the fire that burnt Ms Pitt was deliberately lit and is very concerned that this has not been properly investigated (including by the WA Parliamentary inquiry) nor has the culprit been held to account. RacingThePlanet welcomes recent initiatives by the WA Acting Minister for Tourism to re-open these investigations and is willing to assist in any way it can.”

An ABC report on 30th May suggested that Western Australian Minister for Planning and Minister for Culture and the Arts John Day, in the role of acting Tourism Minister was seeking further information about the cause of the fire over suspicion it was deliberately lit.

The Western Australian Government has not responded to a request for further information about these suspicions.

Ashworth solicitors have also written to Australasian Leisure Management stating "we note that you have published, and continue to publish, incorrect and misleading information about the settlement between RacingThePlanet and Turia Pitt. We request that this be corrected without further delay."

30th May 2014 - KIMBERLEY ULTRAMARATHON BURNS VICTIM EARNS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT