A group of quick-acting passengers successfully contained a kitchen fire aboard a Finnish Intercity train traveling from Helsinki to Oulu. The incident occurred just before noon as the train passed through Pieksämäki and approached Kuopio. Railway officials confirmed the fire started in the restaurant car kitchen but was quickly brought under control by passengers' immediate response.
The railway company's communications coordinator praised the passengers' exemplary actions. She stated the customers demonstrated outstanding initiative in containing the blaze before professional assistance arrived. While exact details of the extinguishing process remain unclear, officials confirmed passengers managed to control the situation rapidly.
One passenger aboard the train reported that staff initially struggled to locate fire extinguishers during the emergency. According to their account, members of an orchestra traveling in the restaurant car ultimately performed the firefighting measures. This raises important questions about emergency equipment accessibility and staff training protocols on Finnish rail services.
Smoke persisted in the restaurant car even after the train reached Kuopio station, yet new boarding passengers received no warnings about the situation. The railway coordinator acknowledged ventilation systems only activated after the train departed Kuopio continuing its journey northward. She expressed regret about the communication failure while emphasizing no injuries resulted from the fire or subsequent smoke exposure.
The kitchen area has been isolated from the rest of the restaurant car with a temporary sales point established outside the sealed section. Officials assure travelers the environment remains completely safe despite the ongoing investigation into the fire's cause and damage assessment. The affected kitchen cannot be properly examined until the train completes its northern route and returns to the Helsinki depot for comprehensive inspection.
This incident highlights broader questions about emergency preparedness on Finland's extensive rail network. The country relies heavily on train transportation, particularly for the crucial Helsinki-Oulu corridor connecting the capital with northern regions. Previous safety incidents have prompted reviews of equipment placement and staff training procedures. Railway authorities face ongoing pressure to balance operational efficiency with passenger safety protocols, especially given Finland's harsh winter conditions that can complicate emergency responses.
The temporary sales arrangement will remain operational throughout the train's current schedule, which includes continuing to Oulu before returning to Kuopio and making another Oulu run. Only after completing this northern circuit will the train head south to Helsinki for proper investigation and repairs. The railway company has initiated internal review procedures while maintaining normal service schedules across its network.