Several charged in Helsinki airport accident that killed ground worker

Finnish police have completed their preliminary investigation into a fatal workplace accident at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in November 2024, with multiple individuals now facing criminal charges, public broadcaster Yle reports.

A ground handling employee died after becoming trapped between an aircraft being towed and a de-icing vehicle. The incident occurred while the plane was being moved from its parking stand using a push-back tractor.

Markku Lylykangas, the lead investigator and detective chief inspector, confirmed that several people are suspected of violating occupational safety regulations. One individual additionally faces charges of causing death and endangering traffic safety.

An earlier assessment by the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland found that a key factor in the accident was the removal of safety cones from the protected zone around the aircraft before work in the area had concluded. Safety protocols require that no personnel remain in the protected zone once the cones are removed.

The case will now proceed to the Prosecution District of Southern Finland for consideration of formal charges.