Soldiers injured in tragic accident involving Lapland border guard in Rovaniemi
The soldiers’ union stresses the importance of thoroughly investigating an incident involving the Lapland border guard, particularly regarding service safety protocols. In a tragic accident involving a tracked vehicle that occurred in the morning, 23 soldiers were injured, with four sustaining serious injuries and requiring urgent care at Lapland Central Hospital in Rovaniemi.
The union’s president, Elina Riutta, expressed deep concern over the scale of the incident. “It’s troubling that such a significant accident has occurred. We will closely monitor the findings regarding the reasons behind this event and how to ensure it does not happen again,” she stated. The union emphasizes that service safety is paramount in mandatory military service, asserting that even one such accident is too many.
According to local authorities, there were more individuals on board the vehicle than allowed. The vehicle is designed to carry a maximum of 17 people—six in the driver’s compartment and 11 in the cargo area. However, it was transporting 23 soldiers at the time of the accident. Riutta highlighted that if any training deficiencies or lapses in service conditions are uncovered, they must be addressed to prevent similar occurrences.
In light of recent accidents, the union has been advocating for improved communication regarding service safety and encourages prompt reporting of near-misses and accidents. This approach will help identify potential risks and prevent future incidents.
Tragically, military accidents occur annually, with ten soldiers and two reservists having lost their lives since the early 2000s. Last autumn was notably bleak, with soldiers facing life-threatening situations during training exercises. The military leadership has repeatedly emphasized the critical importance of maintaining safety standards, pledging to prioritize service safety unconditionally. Each year, more than 20,000 soldiers undergo training in Finland’s defense forces.