Man faces charges after building panels kill child in Mäntsälä

A man is on trial over an accident in Mäntsälä that killed a six-year-old boy and seriously injured a five-year-old, Yle reported. The case began at the Eastern Uusimaa District Court.

The man is charged with aggravated negligent homicide and aggravated negligent bodily injury.

The boys were playing in the yard of the younger child’s home on October 6, 2024, when building panels loaded onto a transport trailer toppled onto them. The six-year-old died and the five-year-old was seriously injured.

The defendant has denied committing any offence. Aggravated negligent homicide carries a minimum sentence of four years in prison, while aggravated negligent bodily injury can result in a fine.

The man was also previously suspected of abandonment, but the prosecutor decided not to bring that charge. He was inside the house when the children went to play in the yard.

According to the decision not to prosecute, the yard did not present a specific danger to life of which the parent was consciously aware, as required for intentional liability.