Suspect hospitalized after Meri-Rastila explosion in Helsinki

The suspect in the Meri-Rastila explosion in Helsinki remains hospitalized, and police have not yet been able to interview him again. Chief Investigator, Crime Commissioner Tuomas Lindholm of the Helsinki Police, estimates that they aim to conduct the interview this week, as soon as it becomes possible.

On Monday, two individuals were hospitalized following the explosion that occurred in a private residence. A man and a woman were injured; the man, born in 1980, is suspected of attempted murder and explosive offenses. The female victim, born in 1987, was discharged from the hospital on Monday afternoon. At this stage, police believe she was the sole target of the act.

“Such an act is very dangerous in that environment. However, it might be that the act was intended solely between these two individuals. Nothing can be ruled out at this point,” Lindholm stated.

The police have interviewed both individuals, but only the suspect has been questioned preliminarily. The incident is being investigated as an attempted murder due to its calculated nature, along with investigations into explosive offenses and arson.

According to Lindholm, the motive for the act is still under investigation. It is known that the suspect and the female victim spent the evening together at the suspect’s home prior to the explosion. Police have no information on whether there was any romantic relationship between them.

The explosion alarm was raised in Meri-Rastila at around 4:30 AM on Monday. Lindholm emphasized the dangers of explosions in apartment buildings and the need to investigate whether the act was premeditated. The police are also looking into how the suspect obtained the explosives, which he should not possess.

The investigation is expected to take one to two months, as police await statements from medical professionals and other authorities.