Four face aggravated charges over Äkäslompolo hostel fire

Four people are suspected of aggravated offences in connection with the fatal hostel fire in Äkäslompolo, northern Finland, Yle reported. The charges, based on the police pre-trial investigation, are aggravated causing of death by negligence, aggravated endangerment of public safety and aggravated causing of injury by negligence.

The same charges apply to all four suspects. The fire broke out in the middle of the night on February 13, 2024, killing three people and injuring two others. The wooden hostel building in Äkäslompolo, in the municipality of Kolari, was destroyed.

The police investigation lasted more than two years. Police said it was delayed by interviews with people involved in their home countries and the translation of related material. Most of those involved were foreign nationals.

According to the Accident Investigation Board, the fire probably spread from ashes stored in a cold storage room at the end of the building. The storage room was used by an external tour operator.

Emeritus professor of criminal and procedural law Matti Tolvanen told Yle in March 2024 that the offences under investigation were very serious.

Aggravated endangerment of public safety applies when negligence creates a serious threat to the lives or health of a large number of people. Tolvanen said the Supreme Court has previously determined in one case that 12 people can already constitute a large number.

More than 30 people were at risk in the Äkäslompolo fire. Three people died and others were injured, which also explains the aggravated charges related to causing death and injury by negligence.

Tolvanen said the charges indicate that the danger was caused by negligence. They therefore rule out an outside perpetrator and deliberate ignition, meaning the case is not being investigated as killings, murders or attempted killings.