Hundreds join Varkaus memorial procession for teenager killed in moped crash

About 200 vehicles joined a memorial procession in the city of Varkaus on Friday for a 15-year-old boy who died in a moped crash last week, Yle reported.

The procession travelled to the crash site with mopeds, moped cars, motorcycles and cars. Police were present to secure traffic.

Rain reduced the number of moped riders, but around 200 vehicles still took part. Large numbers of people, including young people, adults, families and grandparents, watched from the streets. The youngest participant was four years old.

The procession began at Warkaudenportti and ended near the crash site, where participants left flowers and lit candles in the boy’s memory.

The 15-year-old died last Thursday after falling and ending up under an unladen timber truck. The crash occurred at the intersection of national road 23 and Relanderinkatu in central Varkaus.

The memorial ride was organised at the initiative of local young people. Ninth-grade student Jone Nyyssönen, a classmate of the boy who died, said the event was planned in a Snapchat group for people from Varkaus. Nyyssönen does not yet have a moped licence.

“Our message is to drive safely. Our condolences to the family and friends,” he said.

Mandi Hukkanen, who took part in the procession but did not know the boy personally, said it was positive that young people had been listened to in organising the event.

“Everyone who has been affected by what happened in some way can come together to process their feelings and remember,” she said.

The boy attended Waltteri School in Varkaus. Jyri Laitinen, a school support assistant, said the crash had affected a large number of people.

“People really joined in very well today,” Laitinen said.

Varkaus youth services also helped organise the event. Youth instructor Maiju Vaalimaa said the memorial ride was a reminder of the community’s solidarity.

“Young people care about each other. We are together and part of a community, even if it does not always feel that way,” she said.

Waltteri School pupils had already visited the crash site the previous Friday at their own request. Principal Teemu Mustonen estimated that 300 to 400 young people took part in that visit.

Police believe the moped crash was an accident and that, based on current information, no crime was involved.