Police say Vantaa fire suspect set belongings alight in stairwell

Police suspect a man in his 70s set fire to belongings in the stairwell as well as inside his apartment in Pähkinärinne, Vantaa, Yle reports. The fire killed two adults and three children from the same family.

The victims, aged 35 to 40, three, six and eight, were found in the stairwell after the fire on March 3. A baby from the family was seriously injured and taken to hospital. Investigators have not established why the baby survived.

The man is now suspected of aggravated arson, aggravated negligent homicide, aggravated negligent bodily injury and endangerment. In the spring, he was suspected of five murders.

Lead investigator Sanna Rentola said the change in suspected offences reflects a revised assessment of the man’s intent. Police suspect he started several fires, using flammable liquids and belongings. Rentola did not identify the materials involved.

The investigation has found no indication that the housing company or another party neglected fire safety. Police are nearing the end of the preliminary investigation.