Bus Fire in Nordre Follo: Teenager Arrested, Investigation Ongoing
A Route bus fire in Nordre Follo, Akershus, critically injured three people Saturday night, prompting the arrest of a 15-year-old boy in connection with the incident. Authorities report that all passengers have been accounted for as of Sunday morning.
Dramatic Scene Unfolds Near Ski
The fire erupted on a bus traveling from Oslo towards Enebakk, quickly escalating into a “fierce fire,” according to one of the first people on the scene, Hermod Swingerud. Swingerud, who was returning from an errand with his son, initially mistook the rising smoke for rain clouds. “We saw that a lot of smoke came up from the forest… then we quickly realized that it was burning, and that there was a full guy in the bus,” he recounted. Passengers reportedly evacuated the bus rapidly, with some sustaining critical injuries. The bus was fully engulfed in flames within 20 minutes.
Witnesses described hearing screams from the ditch near the burning vehicle. “It was screaming that some people had a painful,” Swingerud said, expressing disbelief at the intensity of the blaze. “It is strange that a bus can burn so intensely. It’s hard to understand.”
Police Investigation and Arrest
Following the fire, police charged a 15-year-old boy with creating a public danger. Authorities are seeking a two-week detention period, citing the need to prevent the potential loss of evidence. “The status now is that the boy is in question with his defender,” stated police lawyer Tord Nyland Karlsen.
The investigation took a further turn when authorities learned the suspect allegedly fled the scene in a stolen wheel loader. When asked if this indicated an attempt to evade authorities, Karlsen responded, “It has not been clarified as of now, but it is natural to see it in the context of the fire scene.” The arrest occurred at the suspect’s residence “without significant drama,” according to police.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspect is a police officer. His defense attorney, Ole-Kristian Ringnes, stated Sunday morning that his client was “very tired” and had been resting since being taken into custody. Ringnes added that he had not yet had the opportunity to discuss the charges with his client.
Cause of Fire Remains Under Investigation
While initial reports suggest the fire originated in the rear of the bus and spread rapidly, the exact cause remains unknown. “It appears that the fire started in the back of the bus and spread further inside,” a senior official stated Saturday night. Police are appealing to the public for any photos, videos, or eyewitness accounts related to the incident.
Police lawyer Martha Bakken emphasized the need for further investigation, including questioning the accused. “We cannot go into that at this time in the investigation. We need to carry out more investigative steps, including questioning the accused,” she said earlier Sunday. Investigators are conducting both technical and tactical analyses of the scene.
Police have stated they currently have no other suspects in the case. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
