Investigation Underway After Explosion and Fire in Kiruna Home

An explosion and fire at a Kiruna home prompts investigation into possible arson.

Key Points

  • • An explosion in Kiruna occurred around 10 PM on Tuesday, pushing out the walls of a house.
  • • The immediate fire created significant control challenges for emergency services.
  • • Authorities are investigating potential arson as the cause of the explosion.
  • • No injuries have been reported, but both the house and garage are expected to be destroyed.

A significant explosion occurred in a semi-detached house in Kiruna at around 10 PM on Tuesday evening, leading to an intense fire that engulfed the building. The force of the explosion was so strong that it pushed out the walls of the structure, prompting a swift response from emergency services to control the blaze, which was difficult to manage due to its severity. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries as a result of the incident.

According to reports, following the explosion, the house caught fire almost immediately, and both the residence and an adjacent garage are expected to be completely destroyed. Eric Rönnholm, a police commander in North Norrbotten, stated that while authorities are yet to determine the cause definitively, there are signs indicating that the explosion might not have been accidental. Neighbors reported hearing the explosion, and there are observable signs on the facade of the house suggesting an explosion occurred from within.

The local authorities have launched an investigation focusing on the possibility of arson, with a preliminary investigation having already been initiated. Firefighters faced significant challenges in bringing the fire under control, and the event has raised concerns over safety in the area.

As the fire was being extinguished, police and investigators prepared to take over the scene to gather further evidence and assess the situation. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident, with residents remaining vigilant as the situation develops.