Police seek witnesses after fatal Kaarina crash

Police are asking possible witnesses to a fatal crash in Kaarina to come forward, while the 18-year-old driver who died is suspected of serious offences, Yle reports.

Two young people, aged 18 and 15, died when a car left the road on Makarlantie in Piikkio, Kaarina, during the night between Thursday and Friday.

Southwestern Finland Police are investigating the exact time of the crash and want to hear from anyone who witnessed it or otherwise has information about what happened. Tips can be sent by email to [email protected] or by phone on 0295 417 259.

The young people were travelling by car from the direction of central Piikkio towards the Ohikulkutie road when the vehicle left the road and struck bridge pillars. Police suspect the car was travelling at a considerably higher speed than was appropriate for the conditions. The speed limit on the road is 40 kilometres per hour.

The deceased 18-year-old driver is suspected of aggravated endangering of traffic safety and aggravated causing of death by negligence. The case will not be referred to a prosecutor because the suspect has died. Police continue to investigate the crash.

The crash site is familiar to many young people in Piikkio. The long road curves gently to the left, and some locals call it the B road because of its banana-like shape. Others refer to it as the drag straight.

Top speeds of mopeds and cars have been measured on the road over the years. Oliver Nurmi, 19, said moped speeds there can approach 100 kilometres per hour and that Piikkio should have another place where young people could ride around. One of those who died was his former classmate.

The crash has also affected the wider Piikkio community. Local young people have discussed it throughout the weekend, while flowers, candles and messages have been left at the scene. Residents said parents had also talked with their children about safe behaviour in traffic.