Blasting operation in Lappeenranta goes wrong, triggers police investigation

A controlled rock blasting in Lappeenranta’s Antamoinen village sent debris flying onto a nearby road on Thursday afternoon, forcing its closure for several hours and prompting a police investigation into suspected criminal negligence, Yle reports.

The blast, conducted by Jokilaakson Louhinta for Sammalisen Sora, scattered rocks and felled trees across the roadway, blocking traffic until evening. No injuries were reported, as the road had been cordoned off by security personnel during the operation.

Southeastern Finland Police confirmed a criminal investigation under the charge of “causing danger” but declined to specify potential suspects.

Jyrki Ainasoja, managing director of Jokilaakson Louhinta, acknowledged the debris reached the road despite precautions. “The rock was extremely hard and fragmented more than expected,” he said, noting the blast’s direction had been planned to avoid the road. Adjustments will be made for the next blasting, scheduled for late next week.

Both Ainasoja and Samu Salopaasi of Sammalisen Sora insisted safety protocols—including road closures—were followed. “Of course, this wasn’t the intended outcome,” Salopaasi said.

The site operates under a permit issued by Lappeenranta’s environmental authority.