Driver in fatal Vantaa crash suspected of using nitrous oxide

The driver of a car that crashed in Vantaa’s Tikkurila district last November, killing a 15-year-old boy, is suspected of having used nitrous oxide while behind the wheel, according to an investigation by Eastern Uusimaa Police.

A second boy suffered minor injuries in the collision on Talvikkitie. Investigators determined the car veered off the road due to the driver’s use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. Police had previously cited excessive speed as a contributing factor.

The driver now faces preliminary charges of manslaughter, aggravated endangerment of traffic safety, aggravated drunk driving, and assault. Additional charges for drug offences—one classified as aggravated—have been brought based on evidence uncovered during a device search.

The suspect has admitted to using nitrous oxide while driving and to causing the fatal crash. The case will now proceed to prosecution review.