A teenage boy under age fifteen commandeered a public bus from a depot in Sandnes and drove it for three hours through southwestern Norway. The incident occurred when the youth accessed a Connect Bus vehicle at the Forus depot in Sandnes. Police confirmed the unauthorized use case was reported on November 24. Officials stated the boy filmed portions of his journey and shared the footage online.
Sandnes Police Station Chief Magnus JĂĄtun described the situation as serious. He noted the youth had no formal driving training for cars or buses. The bus traveled through Sandnes, Ryfast tunnel, and Stavanger during the extended journey. This route covers several miles of challenging Norwegian terrain. The teen eventually returned the vehicle undamaged to the depot.
Norwegian transport security protocols face scrutiny after this breach. Connect Bus operates route services for Kolumbus public transit on Nord-Jæren. The company's traffic manager Sten Enersgård acknowledged the police report but declined further comment. Industry experts note this incident reveals potential vulnerabilities in vehicle storage procedures.
Police have closed the criminal case due to the suspect's young age. Norwegian law typically exempts children under fifteen from prosecution. Instead, the police preventive division will follow up with the youth. JĂĄtun confirmed the boy had no prior police record.
This event highlights broader transportation security questions in Norway's bus networks. The Ryfast tunnel section where the bus entered public roads represents major infrastructure. Ryfast contains the world's deepest subsea road tunnel at 292 meters below sea level. Unauthorized vehicle access in such sensitive locations raises clear safety concerns.
JĂĄtun stated police have contacted Connect Bus about reviewing depot security routines. He expressed puzzlement about how the youth started the bus without causing damage. Modern Norwegian buses typically require specialized procedures for operation. The incident suggests either security lapses or the youth possessed unusual technical knowledge.
Norwegian public transport systems generally maintain strong safety records. This unusual case nevertheless exposes potential procedural gaps. The fact that the bus remained undamaged throughout the three-hour journey surprises transportation professionals. Most untrained drivers would struggle with large vehicle operation, particularly in tunnel environments.
The police response reflects Norway's balanced approach to juvenile incidents. Rather than punitive measures, authorities focus on preventive follow-up. This aligns with Norway's restorative justice principles while addressing legitimate public safety concerns. The incident's peaceful resolution prevents what could have become a major transportation safety incident.