Traces of the explosion outside Hotel Joronjälki in Joroinen on 2 November 2025. Photo: Matias Honkamaa / Lehtikuva
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A man and a woman died on Saturday when a van exploded in the car park of Hotel Joronjälki in Joroinen, Eastern Finland. Authorities suspect gas canisters inside the vehicle caused the blast. The incident is being treated as an accident. No evidence of foul play has been found.
The explosion took place shortly after midday. Witnesses reported hearing a loud blast that was audible as far as Joroinen’s church, located several hundred metres away. The van ignited suddenly, and flames spread to a nearby shelter outside the hotel. The main hotel building was not damaged by fire.
Emergency services discovered the bodies of two adults near the van. Police are working to confirm their identities. Chief investigator Markku Kärpänen from the Eastern Finland police said the process would involve forensic analysis and DNA testing.
“The victims’ identities are still being verified. We believe they were a man and a woman, but cannot yet confirm whether they were inside or near the vehicle when it exploded,” Kärpänen said.
He also confirmed that there are no signs that the incident was criminal in nature. “We are treating the case as an accident. Technical investigation is underway, and results are expected within two days.”
The Finnish Safety Investigation Authority (Otkes) is considering whether to launch a formal investigation. Communications manager Tiina Bieber said discussions with police took place on Monday morning, but a decision on further action had not yet been made.
The origin of the explosion appears to be gas cylinders found in or around the van. The specific type of gas has not been confirmed. Kärpänen declined to give further details pending the outcome of technical tests.
The explosion caused significant structural damage in the immediate area. Several vehicles were destroyed, and fire scorched part of the hotel’s forecourt. The blast also shattered windows and scattered debris across the car park.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
