New safety inspection ordered for Tikkurila apartment balconies after fatal fall

A new safety inspection will be conducted on all balconies in a Tikkurila apartment building following a fatal fall on Midsummer Eve, the property management company confirmed to Yle on Monday.

A man in his 30s died after falling through the glass railing of his balcony in the building. Emergency responders attempted resuscitation, but he succumbed to his injuries.

Some balconies had been inspected earlier this year during a routine 10-year check, which led to four being deemed unsafe. A follow-up inspection in early June identified additional repair needs, according to Parlax, the firm that conducted the assessment. The company’s role was limited to reporting findings, with the housing association responsible for any usage restrictions.

Police continue to treat the incident as an accident, with no suspicion of criminal activity. The Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) holds the specialist expertise for balcony glass structures, and the national accident investigation board (Otkes) will not open a separate probe.

Property manager Reetta Räsänen said balcony door handles will be removed this week pending official approval. Notices have been sent to residents with known email addresses.

Residents expressed frustration over the sudden restrictions. Markus Kettunen, who lives on the first floor, called the blanket ban “a bit hysterical,” though he acknowledged the inconvenience of losing access to a key summer space. Another resident, Reetta Willberg, said she had never trusted the railing glass enough to lean on it.