A bystander died during a police chase in southwestern Finland on Friday evening. The incident occurred on Highway 8 near the Joukahaisentie intersection in Laitila.
Police were pursuing a driver who had ignored an earlier stop command. The chase began around 7:50 PM with emergency lights and sirens activated.
During the pursuit, the fleeing driver attempted to overtake a line of vehicles. At the intersection, a civilian driver was turning with their passenger car when the police vehicle collided with it.
The male driver of the turning car died at the scene. Resuscitation attempts proved unsuccessful. No other passengers were in the vehicle.
The suspect vehicle managed to escape. Southwest Finland Police confirm they continue searching for the fleeing driver.
Highway 8 remained closed for several hours following the crash. Traffic reopened after midnight according to road authorities.
Police have filed a criminal report for endangering traffic safety and negligent homicide. Because police officers were involved, the investigation transfers to the prosecutor's office.
Authorities declined to comment on the condition of officers in the police vehicle. As of Saturday morning, the fleeing driver remains at large.
This tragic incident raises questions about police pursuit protocols when bystander safety becomes compromised. The escape of the primary suspect adds another layer of complexity to an already devastating situation.