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Helsinki hit-and-run driver remanded into custody

A man suspected of deliberately ploughing his car into pedestrians in downtown Helsinki in July, has been remanded into custody pending a pre-trial investigation. One person was killed and five others injured in the incident.

Poliisi onnettomuuspaikalla Annankadun ja Lönnrotinkadun risteyksessä.
The driver faces possible manslaughter charges in the case. Image: Roni Rekomaa / Lehtikuva
  • Yle News

The Helsinki District Court remanded a 51-year-old man into custody on Tuesday on suspicion of manslaughter.

The man is suspected of deliberately targeting six people on a pedestrian crossing on downtown Helsinki’s Lönnrotinkatu at the end of July.

The Court said that the deadline for pressing charges is 12 October.

One person died in the incident and five others were injured, four of them seriously. Police said that the man also caused several hazardous situations before the hit-and-run incident.

Previous reports indicated that the man had also set fire to his father's home before the running amok in his vehicle.

The man previously told police that he sped down the street while honking his horn, without regard for anyone who might have been hit.

The suspect had previously been receiving compulsory medical treatment. After police detained him following the incident, he was handed over to medical professionals for evaluation.

Police say they have been considering charges of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter over the incident.