Police in eastern Finland have captured the driver suspected of hitting and killing an elderly woman in Joensuu. The fatal collision occurred last Thursday morning at the intersection of Kuurnankatu and Kaltimontie roads.
A black BMW coupe ran a red light at high speed and struck a woman walking her bicycle across a marked crosswalk. The vehicle then fled the scene without stopping.
Investigators located the three young adults in the car over the weekend. One person voluntarily approached police while officers found the other two through active searches.
Police Chief Taija Kostamo confirmed all three individuals are local young adults, both men and women. Authorities currently have one person in custody believed to be the driver.
"Our assessment indicates the vehicle was traveling at excessive speed for the conditions," Kostamo stated.
The case is being investigated as aggravated endangerment of traffic safety, aggravated manslaughter, and traffic escape. Technical investigation of the incident remains in early stages.
"The preliminary investigation is at a sensitive phase. Interviews are currently being conducted," Kostamo added.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about traffic safety at Finnish pedestrian crossings, particularly involving younger drivers. The decision to flee after striking a vulnerable road user suggests a troubling disregard for human life that authorities will need to address through both legal and preventive measures.