Oslo bunker party poisoning victims find relief in court verdict, as organizers face increased prison time
Magnus, 26, feels a sense of relief after the court verdict in a case that has impacted his life dramatically. He is one of two people who suffered brain damage after attending a party in an abandoned bunker in St. Hanshaugen, Oslo, in the fall of 2020.
The party attendees were unknowingly poisoned by carbon monoxide from a large diesel generator that was used to power the music and light show inside the bunker. As a result, 26 people were hospitalized.
The two men in their twenties who illegally arranged the party were initially sentenced to one and a half years in prison. However, the sentence was appealed and later increased to two years and six months by the Borgarting Court of Appeal. The men were convicted of negligent public poisoning, negligent infliction of significant bodily harm, and violation of fire and explosion protection legislation. The verdict will not be appealed.
Magnus does not harbor any resentments towards the men, rather, he feels sympathy for them. He believes they were just trying to create a fun event during the dark times of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their choice of venue proved dangerously wrong.
According to the Oslo Fire Department, the incident could have ended much worse. Magnus had to testify in court, which he found challenging. He has been in denial about his condition, but the court proceedings forced him to confront the reality of his brain injury.
Two months after the incident, Magnus shared his story for the first time. Now, nearly four years later, he is doing well considering the circumstances. Despite having a supportive network of friends, family, and a partner, the critical poisoning he suffered has left its mark. Magnus often loses his keys and wallet, forgets messages and appointments, and struggles with memory loss. He even once forgot that he had left a pizza in the oven when he went to walk his dog, returning to a smoke-filled kitchen.
Before the incident, Magnus had ambitions to become an architect. Now, he has had to give up that dream and instead hopes to build houses in the future. He dreams of a quiet, normal life with a family and children and a job as a carpenter.
In addition to serving their prison sentences, the two men convicted must also pay Magnus compensation amounting to approximately 900,000 kroner ($105,000). While the money will be helpful, Magnus states that he would rather have his health back.
Despite his struggles, Magnus maintains a positive attitude and a sense of humor about his situation. He often repeats stories and jokes about his forgetfulness with his friends. But the brain damage has inevitably affected his daily life, causing him to sleep for extended periods of up to 16 hours and to tire quickly.
Even though the incident has had a significant impact on his life, Magnus is trying to move forward and make the best of his circumstances.