A van erupted into flames outside Hotel Joronjälki on Saturday afternoon, claiming the lives of two individuals. Authorities are exploring the possibility of foul play.
On Saturday afternoon in Joroinen, North Savo, the rapid-fire blaze from a van led to the tragic deaths of two people, as reported by local police. This incident unfolded shortly after noon right outside Hotel Joronjälki.
At this stage, officials have withheld details about the victims and their potential connection to the fire.
“We currently lack definitive information about the deceased, but we can confirm that there are no more than two individuals,” said Senior Sergeant Toni Reinikainen from the Eastern Finland Police Department, addressing Yle on Saturday evening.
“At this point, we cannot confirm or dismiss the possibility of a crime,” he added, leaving open the door to further investigation.
Local resident Antti Viljakainen, who lives two kilometers away, recounted his experience: “I first heard a loud explosion, which was soon followed by a sight of black smoke. When I arrived, I saw a vehicle in the parking lot completely engulfed in flames,” he told Yle.
An on-site Yle reporter noted that the 43-room hotel’s façade sustained damage, with several windows shattered in the incident.
Hotel owner Auvo Puurtinen expressed his concerns to Yle, suggesting that unauthorized materials, possibly gas, may have been present in the van, which was affixed to workers. While he was not on the premises when the fire sparked, he remarked that he had noticed workers smoking near the vehicle earlier.
The explosion reportedly damaged eight vehicles. Guests at the hotel were swiftly provided with alternative accommodations for the night.
Earlier this year, Puurtinen listed the 50-year-old establishment for sale. Joroinen, a small municipality with fewer than 5,000 residents, lies about 20 kilometers from Varkaus.
Recent Similar Incident in Helsinki
In a separate incident last week, a van exploded in Mellunkylä, Helsinki, after igniting gas cylinders contained within. That explosion resulted in injuries to both the vehicle’s owner and an acquaintance.
Authorities are investigating the van’s owner for potential endangerment.
Updated at 9:47 am to include new video and additional details.