A powerful explosion rocked Hotel Joronjälki in Joroinen, Finland on Saturday afternoon. The blast occurred around midday at the small hotel located in Eastern Finland.
Hotel owner Auvo Puurtinen confirmed the facility remains closed overnight. Police have cordoned off the entire property as their investigation continues.
Puurtinen stated nine people were staying at the hotel when the explosion happened. Two guests died in the incident according to the owner.
Eastern Finland police have not yet confirmed whether the deceased were hotel guests. Authorities also declined to comment on the victims' nationalities or other personal details.
The hotel owner believes the two victims were construction workers. Puurtinen described a chaotic scene with two vehicles exploding in sequence.
"First one car exploded and apparently took the other one with it," Puurtinen said during an evening interview. Police have not verified this account of events.
Puurtinen described being overwhelmed by the day's events but expressed relief about his own condition. "Good thing I don't need a doctor right now. Fortunately I have some strength left," he commented.
The small hotel in Joroinen serves both tourists and workers in the rural Eastern Finland region. Local authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the explosion while the community grapples with this tragic event. Such violent incidents remain rare in Finland's peaceful countryside regions.