Seven young people and a bus driver were hospitalised after a rail accident in Kaskinen, Ostrobothnia, on Tuesday morning. The crash took place shortly before 8am at an unguarded level crossing that the local mayor said was known to be dangerous.
Police are investigating the accident as aggravated endangerment of traffic safety.
According to preliminary police data, the bus did not come to a halt at a stop sign as required, but instead drove directly onto the level crossing. The drivers of both the bus and the locomotive took breathalyser tests, which showed no blood alcohol levels.
According to health officials, none of the injuries were life-threatening, but two patients are in serious condition.
The bus was taking pupils to secondary schools in Kristinestad (Kristiinankaupunki), another west-coast town some 25km to the south.
The track maintenance vehicle consisted of a locomotive and one wagon. The locomotive derailed, while the bus was pushed about 30 metres along the track.
According to rescue officials, 12 people were involved in the accident. All eight people on the bus were hospitalised.
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According to emergency care director Joacim Tuuri, the injured had fractures and other minor injuries including neck and chest wounds.
One injured person was transported to Tampere, four to Vaasa and three to a health centre in the nearby town of Närpes.
"The eight injured patients include seven minors and the bus driver. At the moment, no one is in danger of death," Tuuri said.
Safety Investigation Authority begins probe
The locomotive that collided with the bus weighs more than 30 tonnes. The track machine was scanning the track and measuring its width among other tasks.
According to police and rescue officials, the track machine was moving slowly when it struck the middle of the school bus and derailed.
The Safety Investigation Authority will conduct a preliminary investigation into the accident. Two officials were on their way to Kaskinen to investigate the crash scene.
The clearing of the accident site will not begin until documentation and on-site investigation has been completed.
Crisis counselling on offer
The municipality of Kaskinen has opened a crisis centre at the local health clinic, which is providing counselling to those who need it. Schools are also providing counselling for students.
According to Mayor Minna Nikander, the whole town was shocked by the accident. She noted that there are several unguarded level crossings in central Kaskinen, where accidents and injuries have occurred before. The site of Tuesday's crash has been known as a dangerous place, she said.
Nikander said that the municipality has worked with the Finnish Road Safety Council (Liikenneturva) and road maintenance firm Destia to improve their safety.
13:58 Updated with 2 seriously injured.
15:57 Updated with possible criminal charges and other details.