Vantaa fire suspect admits to arson but murder charges dropped

The suspect in the deadly Vantaa apartment fire has admitted to starting the blaze, but prosecutors no longer suspect murder, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

Police now believe the deaths resulting from the March fire in Pähkinärinne were unintentional rather than deliberate. The suspect, previously charged with five counts of murder and two attempted murders, now faces charges of aggravated destruction of property, five counts of aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault, and endangerment.

The fire caused extensive damage to the apartment building, with repair costs estimated in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of euros. Investigators say the structure may need to be demolished and rebuilt entirely.

Two adults aged 35–40 and three children—aged 3, 6, and 8—died in the rapidly spreading blaze. All victims were from the same family and were found in the building’s stairwell. A baby from the family survived with severe injuries, while three others sustained minor injuries.

Investigators stress that charges may still be adjusted as the probe continues.