A hunter has been questioned by police following a shooting incident in Målselv, Northern Norway. The investigation suggests a bullet changed direction after hitting an object, then struck a municipal business building. Police confirm their main theory points to an accident.
Katrine Grimnes, the investigation section leader for Midt-Troms police district, stated the hunter explained he was on his own property conducting target practice. The bullet reportedly hit something and changed trajectory before striking the building housing Montar company. Between 15 and 20 people were working inside when the incident occurred.
Police strengthened their accident hypothesis after interviewing the hunter. His account matched witness information about the number of shots fired and their direction. Officers seized both the firearm and ammunition for technical examination.
The incident prompted a major police response in the Moen area of Målselv on Wednesday morning. Emergency response commander Sigurd Fosli emphasized the fortunate outcome, noting it was pure luck that no one suffered injuries. He confirmed people were near the area where the bullet struck the building.
This incident highlights ongoing discussions about firearm safety regulations in Norway. The country maintains strict hunting and shooting regulations, but accidents occasionally occur despite comprehensive safety protocols. Norwegian law requires hunters to complete mandatory training and pass both written and practical exams before obtaining licenses.
Local authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances. The technical examination of the weapon and ammunition will determine whether equipment malfunction contributed to the incident. Police have not indicated any criminal charges at this stage.
Such incidents often prompt reviews of local shooting range safety and property boundary regulations. Many Norwegian municipalities have specific rules about shooting distances from buildings and public areas. The Målselv case may lead to renewed discussions about these safety measures in rural communities where hunting remains popular.
Norway has approximately 400,000 registered hunters in a population of 5.4 million people. Hunting accidents remain relatively rare but can have serious consequences when they occur near populated areas. The country's extensive wilderness areas typically provide safe zones for hunting activities away from residential buildings.
The investigation continues as police work to establish all facts surrounding this unusual incident. Local residents have expressed relief that no physical injuries resulted from the stray bullet.