A van exploded violently in Joroinen, Finland, reducing the vehicle to small pieces. Police found overturned gas cylinders at the accident scene.
Officials suspect gas caused Saturday's explosion on a residential property. Authorities discovered the cylinders lying near the destroyed vehicle.
Senior Constable Toni Reinikainen said in a statement that gas cylinders likely contributed to the accident. He emphasized that investigators have not reached final conclusions about what caused the blast.
Police have not determined what type of gas the cylinders contained. The investigation continues as officials work to identify the exact cause.
Joroinen is a small municipality in Eastern Finland with approximately 5,000 residents. The town sits about 280 kilometers northeast of Helsinki in the South Savonia region.
Gas-related accidents remain relatively rare in Finland despite the country's cold climate and widespread heating needs. This incident highlights the potential dangers of improper gas cylinder storage or handling.
Investigators will likely examine whether the cylinders were properly secured and what might have triggered the explosion. Such blasts can occur from leaks, physical damage, or exposure to heat sources.