Police on Monday afternoon said they were investigating an early morning apartment explosion as an attempted murder case. Two people were rushed to hospital following the blast.
One of the injured, born in 1980, is now suspected of both attempted murder and an explosives offence. Police investigations have revealed that the blast was triggered by illegal explosives. Current information also indicates that the other person injured in the explosion was the intended target.
Both of the people who were inside the apartment at the time of the blast were taken to hospital. Their injuries were not life-threatening.
The explosion occurred at 4:20 am, in a flat on Märssykuja 1, in the city's Meri-Rastila district, roughly 300 metres away from the Rastila Metro station.
The blast woke up at least one neighbour, Arja Kajander.
"The awful explosion woke me up ten minutes before my alarm was set to ring, and the windows shook. Someone shouted 'help, help'," Kajander explained.
Shortly afterwards, Kajander said she heard the sound of sirens as first responder vehicles began arriving. She also saw debris in the yard of the apartment building.
According to Kajander, the building has suffered disturbances in the past.
Police entered the flat only after confirming it was safe to do so. Authorities cordoned off the area and made efforts to ensure that no further damage would occur.
"Occupational safety [for police officers] must be guaranteed, and officers are now trying to make sure the apartment is safe to enter. After that, permission can be granted to begin technical investigations," the city's police command centre said before officers entered the flat.