21-12-2024 (ROVANIEMI) A devastating collision between a tourist bus and a passenger van in Finnish Lapland has resulted in two fatalities. The incident occurred on Pellontie road, approximately 25 kilometres from Rovaniemi’s city centre, amid treacherous weather conditions.
The deceased, preliminarily identified as occupants of the van, were among six individuals travelling in the smaller vehicle when the collision occurred. The incident has prompted a comprehensive police investigation into suspected aggravated endangering of traffic safety, negligent homicide and negligent injury.
According to Chan Brothers, a Singaporean tour operator, 29 of their customers were aboard the tourist bus at the time of the incident. The firm praised the Finnish driver’s evasive actions, suggesting the accident occurred when their bus encountered a van attempting an overtaking manoeuvre from the opposite direction. The tourists were participating in a ten-night excursion, which included plans to witness the Northern Lights and visit Norway’s Lofoten Islands.
Dr Jyri J. Taskila, chief physician of the Lapland wellbeing county, confirmed that 37 individuals were transported to Lapland Central Hospital for assessment. Of these, 31 sustained minor injuries, whilst two remained hospitalised as of Friday morning. The tour guide’s prior instruction for passengers to wear seatbelts likely prevented more severe casualties.
The tourist bus belongs to Lapland Safaris, the Nordic region’s largest tourism activities operator, which recently acquired the bus company Liikenne O. Neiemelä. The incident occurred during hazardous driving conditions, with blowing snow and slippery roads affecting much of Finland and Lapland.
Emergency services temporarily closed the affected road section, implementing traffic diversions until approximately 6 pm when the route was reopened.
