In Espoo's Tapiola, a major accident has occurred where a walking bridge collapsed near a construction site. The pedestrian bridge, which was made of plywood, was in public use when it collapsed, causing several people to be injured, including many schoolchildren from Kalasataman middle school. According to reports, some of the children fell several meters when the bridge collapsed, resulting in various degrees of injuries, including serious ones. The injuries mainly included fractures in limbs.
As per the fire department, there were a total of 27 injured individuals, out of which 15 have been taken to hospitals. The Helsinki University Hospital (Hus) has provided medical attention to the injured, and they have been sent to four different hospitals, including Siltasairaala, The New Children Hospital, Peijas, and Jorvi. Hus has also set up a patient information center for relatives, where they can inquire about their loved ones' condition.
The accident happened at around 9 am, and the fire department immediately responded, sending several units to the location. The police are currently investigating the accident and conducting a technical investigation of the site. The situation is still being assessed, and the police will release more information as it becomes available.
Many prominent figures, including President Sauli Niinistö, expressed their condolences and sympathies on social media. The accident has caused a massive uproar, and many are calling for better safety measures to be implemented in public areas. This tragic event has reminded us of the importance of safety regulations and the need for proper maintenance of public infrastructure.
HT