Two people sustained injuries when a van exploded in Helsinki's Mellunkylä district early Monday morning. The vehicle's owner was among those hurt in the blast.
Residents reported hearing the massive explosion across Helsinki and neighboring Vantaa. The pressure wave shattered windows and damaged nearby buildings.
Emergency services received over one hundred calls following the incident. Police confirmed the explosion resulted from leaking gas cylinders inside the vehicle.
Investigators are working to determine what caused the leak and identified the ignition source. The van was not running when the explosion occurred.
Police are treating the case as endangerment rather than intentional sabotage. They suspect possible negligence led to the accident.
The explosion's owner has not yet provided a statement to authorities. Damage assessment continues as residents report property losses.
Neighbors described waking to shattered living room windows from the blast wave. The incident highlights the dangers of improper gas cylinder storage in residential areas.
Authorities ask anyone with property damage to contact Helsinki police. The total extent of destruction remains unclear as investigations continue.