Driver in Helsinki fatal crash to be released

A taxi driver suspected of causing a fatal crash in Helsinki’s Kulosaari district will be released from custody today, police confirmed.

The 40-year-old man, accused of aggravated drunk driving, aggravated manslaughter, and aggravated endangerment of traffic safety, was detained to secure the investigation but will not be remanded in custody.

“He will be released this morning. The preliminary investigation has been secured, and there is no longer a need for detention,” lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Tuomas Lindholm told Yle.

Two people died early Tuesday when the taxi struck them on a three-lane road. Lindholm confirmed reports that the victims were in the middle of the road and that at least one car had to swerve to avoid them before the collision. He added that the victims had also endangered traffic safety themselves.

Police have not yet received the driver’s blood test results and cannot confirm his exact blood alcohol level. Authorities requested witness accounts of the victims’ movements prior to the crash, and Lindholm said the statements received have been useful, though the overall understanding of events remains unchanged.