Explosion seriously injures two men in Lumijoki

Two men were seriously injured when a worksite barracks on a truck trailer exploded in Lumijoki, a small municipality in North Ostrobothnia, Yle reports.

The explosion on Sunday evening has shocked and saddened residents, municipal manager Heidi Soini said. The incident has been a central topic of discussion in the municipality, which has about 2,000 residents.

According to police, the men, born in 1981 and 2007, had tried to destroy the barracks by burning it. Petrol used to start the fire had apparently vaporised, causing the explosion.

Police said the injured men are members of the same family. Soini said she knew their identities but did not want to comment further.

“I only hope that the family gets through this accident both physically and mentally,” Soini said. She sent the injured men and their relatives her thoughts and strength on behalf of the municipality.

Soini was at home about two kilometres from the scene when the explosion occurred. She did not hear it herself, but quickly began receiving messages from residents and monitoring information from authorities and the media.

She said various claims and rumours about the incident were now circulating, including on social media, and urged people to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of those involved.

Police are investigating the case as causing danger, environmental damage and negligent handling. The preliminary investigation will continue with interviews of those involved.

Two other people were farther from the scene. They were not injured, and the explosion did not endanger bystanders.