Finland has seen its second van explosion in just two weeks, raising serious safety questions. An explosion in Joroinen on Sunday killed two people and damaged a hotel building and nearby cars. Police confirmed gas cylinders were found in the wreckage.
Specialist Petri Pakkanen from the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency said the blast was likely caused by leaking gas or fuel vapor igniting. He noted this follows another similar explosion in Helsinki's Mellunkylä district just two weeks earlier.
'It's extremely concerning that two such explosions have occurred in such a short time,' Pakkanen said. 'This raises questions about whether general carelessness has increased or if this is just very bad luck.'
In the Joroinen incident, the victims were outside the van when it exploded. The hotel owner told media the van belonged to workers staying at the hotel who had stepped outside for a cigarette.
Both explosions appear to share similar causes - flammable substances meeting ignition sources. Pakkanen explained typical ignition sources include sparks, short circuits, flames, or even cigarettes when mixed with the right gas-air combination.
The Helsinki explosion in Mellunkylä was more destructive, completely destroying the van, while the Joroinen blast left the vehicle body partially intact but caused a severe fire.
Pakkanen suggested the difference might indicate different flammable materials were involved. 'In Joroinen, there may have been burning liquids and other combustible loads that explain the longer-lasting fire,' he commented.
Safety experts are now emphasizing the need for greater caution when transporting gases and fuels. Proper handling includes keeping cylinders upright and secured, valves closed, and ensuring good ventilation during transport.
'Professionals need to be particularly careful because routine can lead to carelessness,' Pakkanen warned. He called for increased monitoring of maintenance vehicles and better public awareness about transportation safety.
For private individuals transporting gas cylinders, such as for grilling at summer cottages, Pakkanen recommends using proper containers and ensuring clear labeling. This helps emergency services identify hazards quickly in accident situations.
The back-to-back explosions highlight how routine transportation of common materials can turn dangerous without proper precautions. Finland's safety authorities are now likely to increase scrutiny of vehicle transports following these incidents.