The taxi driver suspected of causing the fatal collision that killed two pedestrians on Helsinki's Itäväylä has been released from custody as police continue their investigation into the case.
The man, aged in his 40s, remains under investigation on suspicion of aggravated drink driving, aggravated causing of death and aggravated endangerment of traffic safety after the crash in the Kulosaari district during the early hours of Tuesday.
Detective Chief Inspector Tuomas Lindholm, who is leading the investigation, told Helsingin Sanomat and Yle that police decided not to seek the suspect's remand because the legal grounds for detention no longer existed.
"The preliminary investigation has been secured and there is no longer an investigative need for detention," Lindholm said.
He added that the suspect had been interviewed twice and had cooperated with investigators throughout the process. Police also concluded there was no risk that he would continue criminal activity while the investigation proceeds.
The collision happened shortly before 12.30am on Itäväylä near Kulosaari metro station. A man and a woman, both in their 30s, died at the scene after they were struck by a Taksi Helsinki vehicle travelling eastbound from the direction of the Redi shopping centre.
Police said the driver left the scene after the collision before officers arrested him later in a parking garage in the Itäkeskus area.
Investigators suspect the driver had consumed alcohol and was travelling above the 70 km/h speed limit when the crash occurred. Police have since clarified that their current assessment is that any speeding was slight.
"We are not talking about significant speeding," Lindholm said, adding that investigators have not found any other unusual or noteworthy aspects of the driver's manner of driving before the collision.
Blood test results have not yet been completed, meaning police have not confirmed the driver's blood alcohol level. The suspicion of aggravated drink driving remains based on the ongoing investigation.
Police have also released further details about the circumstances leading up to the collision.
Lindholm confirmed to Finnish media that the victims were in the middle lane of the three-lane carriageway when they were struck. Investigators believe at least one passing vehicle had already taken evasive action before the fatal collision, a detail first reported by MTV Uutiset.
The investigator said the victims had also created a hazard for traffic by being on the motorway.
Police believe the victims knew each other but have not established the nature of their relationship. The driver was not acquainted with either victim.
The reason the pair entered the carriageway remains unknown.
According to Helsingin Sanomat, the suspect told investigators the pedestrians appeared in front of him suddenly and that the situation developed without warning. Lindholm said the driver's account has remained consistent during both interviews.
Lindholm said forensic examinations will determine whether alcohol or other substances were present in the victims' bodies at the time of death.
Investigators have received several witness statements following a public appeal issued on Wednesday. Lindholm said the information has assisted the investigation but has not changed police's overall understanding of the incident.
Police believe there are still people who witnessed events before or during the collision who have not yet contacted investigators. They continue to ask anyone with information about the movements of the victims before the crash to come forward.
The Taksi Helsinki vehicle involved in the collision remains in police custody for forensic examination.
HT
