Man died after calling emergency services during Helsinki shopping centre fire

A man who died in a fire at Kontula shopping centre in Helsinki had called emergency services before succumbing to toxic fumes, police have confirmed.

The victim, born in the late 1960s, was lawfully present in a storage area near the fire when it broke out, investigation leader Detective Chief Inspector Tuomas Lindholm of the Helsinki Police Department told public broadcaster Yle.

“He had called the emergency services and reported that the shopping centre was on fire, but he was unable to exit the building,” Lindholm said. Current information suggests the man died from inhalation of toxic gases produced by the fire.

Police believe he was handling personal matters in a small storage space at the time. The fire began in restricted storage areas of the shopping centre, inaccessible to customers.

The blaze occurred overnight between Sunday and Monday during Easter. Fire and smoke spread extensively through the property, according to rescue services. Several shops remained closed on Monday due to fire damage.

Police continue to investigate the cause but currently do not suspect criminal activity in connection with the fire.