A military van crashed into another car on a straight road section in Puolanka municipality. The accident occurred near Paltamo in northern Finland during a training exercise.
Police confirmed the serious collision happened Tuesday around 2 PM. The speed limit on that road section is 100 kilometers per hour.
Officials stated neither driver is suspected of speeding. Both vehicles were traveling within legal limits according to preliminary investigation.
The military vehicle carried two conscripts born in 2005. The other car contained a man born in 1953. All three individuals sustained injuries.
Both drivers were airlifted to hospital by helicopter. One conscript required ambulance transport for medical care.
Police emphasize the crash was unrelated to military exercises. The conscripts were simply transitioning between locations.
The vehicles collided head-on while traveling in opposite directions. One approached from the north, the other from the south.
Authorities are investigating for serious traffic safety endangerment and aggravated negligence causing injury. Both drivers remain under suspicion.
Investigators couldn't interview the injured parties immediately at the scene. The case classification may change as the investigation progresses.
The military has notified family members of injured conscripts. Police cleared the accident scene by approximately 5 PM.
This incident highlights the real dangers of rural Finnish roads despite proper speed compliance. The straight road section and good conditions make the collision particularly concerning for local drivers.