Driver killed in Paltamo level crossing collision

Police confirmed the driver of a car died after colliding with a passenger train at an unmanned level crossing in Paltamo on Wednesday morning, Yle reports.

The crash occurred at around 10:00 on Pujoniementie in the Melalahti area, where a train traveling from Kuopio to Oulu struck the vehicle. The impact carried the car 300 meters along the track before the train stopped.

No other injuries were reported. Passengers on the train were unharmed and continued their journey by bus. Police are investigating the incident as a fatality inquiry and have not released further details.

Emergency response efforts lasted into the afternoon, with police using a drone to survey the scene. The collision caused widespread power outages in Sotkamo, Kajaani, and Paltamo, affecting up to 6,900 households. Power was restored to nearly all homes just before 13:00, roughly three hours after the crash.

Train services between Paltamo and Vaala were suspended, and passengers were transported by bus from Vaala to Oulu.