A military conscript driver is suspected of causing a head-on collision in Puolanka, Finland. Police believe fatigue caused the conscript to cross into oncoming traffic.
The accident occurred Tuesday afternoon on Highway 78 near Paltamo. A military van crossed into the opposite lane and crashed into a passenger car carrying a 70-year-old local man.
All three people involved sustained injuries in the Finnish road accident. Both drivers required helicopter transport to hospital for further treatment. The second conscript in the military vehicle was taken by ambulance.
Police suspect the approximately 20-year-old conscript committed serious traffic endangerment and aggravated assault. The Kainuu Brigade soldier was operating the military vehicle when the incident occurred.
The crash happened on a straight section of road with a 100 km/h speed limit. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the collision.
Military conscripts in Finland typically complete their service between ages 18-30. This incident raises questions about duty hour regulations for conscript drivers during training exercises. Fatigue-related accidents remain a concern for military operations worldwide, highlighting the need for strict rest protocols.