Police suspect that the Espoo pedestrian bridge collapse in May 2023 was due to the negligence of several individuals.
The temporary metal and plywood bridge spanning Itätuulenkuja in Tapiola collapsed on the morning of May 11, when 44 people were attempting to cross. Police reported that 24 individuals fell about five metres when the bridge gave way.
A preliminary investigation found that eight individuals, including representatives from both the company that built the bridge and the city of Espoo, are under suspicion for criminal activity.
The police suspect all eight of endangerment and 25 counts of aggravated bodily harm. Additionally, two are suspected of negligent violation of official duty.
Police said the incident is a result of multiple contributing factors, and there is no suspicion of intent in the case.
The preliminary investigation has now been completed, and the case is moving to the consideration of charges.
Among those who fell from the bridge, 23 were students from Kalasatama Comprehensive School, and one was an adult teacher. Additionally, one person not on the bridge at the time of the collapse was also injured.
Police had stated that none of the involved people sustained life-threatening injuries, but the incident caused various degrees of physical and psychological harm.
No overseeing body
According to the preliminary investigation, the bridge, which had been in use for about a year and a half, was structurally inadequate for its intended purpose — its load-bearing capacity did not meet the required standards.
In addition, the investigation revealed that no official body was responsible for overseeing the temporary bridge structure, noting that it was intended for short-term use.
Police said the investigation took time due to the need to examine the bridge's structure, point of failure, and technical specifications, along with interviews of eyewitnesses and City of Espoo staff.
The process involved support from the National Bureau of Investigation's forensic lab and external experts.
