A train and a van collided at a level crossing in Siilinjärvi. Photo: Timo Hartikainen / Str / Lehtikuva
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A man and a woman were killed on Sunday after their van collided with a passenger train at an unguarded level crossing in Siilinjärvi, eastern Finland.
The victims, both in their late 60s, were Finnish citizens who lived abroad. The man was driving and the woman was seated in the front passenger seat. Both died at the scene. Two dogs travelling in the van also died.
The collision occurred at around 1pm on Ruuskalantie road, which crosses the tracks near National Road 5, also known as the E63. The North Savo Rescue Department confirmed the van entered the level crossing before being struck by a northbound train.
Authorities stated the level crossing was unguarded, with no barriers or lights to signal oncoming trains.
There were no serious injuries among the passengers on the train. The train remained on the tracks during the incident.
A reporter from public broadcaster Yle, Jonna Karjalainen, was on board the train and described the moment of impact.
“There was a huge, loud noise. Phones and drink bottles flew,” she said.
Karjalainen was seated in the first carriage, which was reserved for pets and their owners. The window of her carriage shattered during the collision.
Emergency services attended the site and began cleanup and recovery operations shortly after the crash. The damaged van was removed by flatbed truck, and the train continued toward Oulu shortly after 5pm.
The entire operation, including safety checks and rail clearance, lasted approximately four hours.
The train had departed Helsinki at 8am and was en route to Oulu. Following the collision, State Railways VR reported delays of one to two hours affecting train services between Helsinki and Oulu, as well as in eastern Finland.
One train, scheduled to depart Oulu at 6.22pm and travel to Kuopio, was cancelled and replaced with bus transport.
Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. No further details about the victims have been released.
Siilinjärvi is located roughly 20 kilometres north of Kuopio.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
