A fire that quickly engulfed a bus that’s part of the Oslo area’s public transport system has shocked and horrified bus drivers and passengers alike. A 15-year-old boy who already had a long criminal record has admitted to starting the fire on board the bus, but claims it was an accident.
“Our thoughts go first and foremost to the family of the passenger killed, and to all those affected by this tragic fire,” said Jim Klungnes, leader of the bus drivers’ organization Yrkestrafikkforbundet, after the deadly blaze that swept through a Ruter bus on Saturday. He said the fire also raises alarming safety issues, since the bus was totally destroyed so quickly.
“We must have buses and equipment that can get both passengers and drivers safely home from work or other trips,” Klungnes said. He called for even more training about how both drivers and passengers can react to and handle a fire on board. In the case of the bus hit by fire over the weekend, it was fueled by diesel and was engulfed within minutes.
The route 550 bus was on its way from Oslo to Enebakk church southeast of the capital when the boy now in custody boarded while carrying a bottle of flammable liquid. Police now claim, after questioning witnesses, that the boy poured the contents of the bottle onto the floor and then set it on fire with a lighter.
Court documents from the boy’s custody hearing note that “the fire developed quickly in the bus and several passengers suffered burns.” Three were airlifted to the main Oslo University Hospital at Ullevål hospital with severe burns, and then on to Norway’s specialized burn unit at Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen. One of them, a 75-year-old woman, died there early Monday.
That’s expanded the charges against the 15-year-old, who has admitted to the facts in the case but claims it was an accident. He confirmed bringing the bottle of flammable liquid on board, and opening it “to smell its contents,” but then claims he closed it again but not tightly enough. He admits all that took place while he “played” with a lighter. Then the fire started, he dropped the bottle and ran from the bus, stealing a construction site vehicle as he tried to get away.
Police found and arrested him shortly thereafter, he’s being held in police custody and faces a long list of charges that were expanded when one of the bus passengers died. Local media report that despite his young age, he already has a police record of 40 crimes over the past 19 months for robbery, theft, making threats and physical violence.
Since he has now passed the age of 15, he can finally be held criminally liable for his actions. In accordance with press custom in Norway, his identity was not made public. His parents nonetheless complained about press coverage of the fire while also sending their condolences to the family of the woman who died. It’s also been reported that the teenager has been in the care of juvenile authorities but recently had been living again with his family.
NewsinEnglish.no/Nina Berglund
