Otkes probes into explosion at Laakso hospital site in Helsinki

The Safety Investigation Authority, Finland (Otkes) has initiated an investigation into the accident took place at Laakso hospital site in Helsinki on August 9, said Otkes in a press release on Wednesday.

The accident occurred when an unexploded ordnance was ignited during construction work.

Two people were injured in the accident that also caused material damage due to loose rocks flying to the surrounding environment.

The purpose of a safety investigation is to promote general safety, prevent accidents and incidents from recurring, and reduce losses resulting from accidents.

The initiated investigation focuses among others on the safety of excavation work in and around agglomerations and the clean-up process after blasting.

The Otkes has among others investigated excavation accidents in the past in Friisilä and Matinkylä, Espoo in 2006 and 2012 respectively.

Headed by expert Taneli Rasmus, other members of the investigation body are experts Ilona Hatakka, Suvi Ristonmaa and Ari Kurppa.

Chief Safety Investigator Timo Naskali is serving as the Investigator-in-Charge.