Politiet searches Maridalsvannet after fence breach

OSLO — Police in Oslo suspended an active search on Thursday evening after two people were reported climbing over a fence into Maridalsvannet, the city’s primary drinking-water reservoir.

The Oslo Police District said staff at the water and treatment plant notified authorities at 17:21 that two individuals had entered the restricted area by scaling a high fence. The reservoir supplies drinking water to Oslo and is closed to the public.

“This is an area we monitor closely,” said Vidar Pedersen, operations manager for the police district. “We do not want anyone present because it is the main drinking-water source for Oslo.” He noted that climbing the fence would not be an accidental act.

Patrols and a drone were deployed, but the active search was called off around 19:15 after staff reported seeing the individuals climb back over the fence and walk toward the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology.

Police said they will continue the investigation and are considering reviewing area surveillance footage. No damage or attempted damage was found at the site.