They’re not calling it a criminal investigation, but police in Drammen confirm they now have a suspect in their probe of a huge fire over the weekend that’s left hundreds of people homeless. The fire itself is now under control, after burning for nearly four days and destroying 116 residences.
The man formally suspected of being connected to the fire “is in shock, like everyone else affected by the fire,” his defense attorney told state broadcaster NRK Tuesday afternoon. “This is a very tragic event, so he’s not doing very well right now.”
Police were careful not to incriminate or identify the suspect, claiming they rather just want to know how the fire started on an unusually hot and dry Friday afternoon. The fire quickly spread in a row-house community at Krokstadleva, up river from Drammen, and into the surrounding forest area.
More than 400 people have lost most everything they own, including their home, furnishings and automobiles parked nearby. Evacuation centers and temporary housing have been set up in Drammen, and insurance companies have pulled in staff from summer holidays to help deal with all claims that need to be filed and assistance needed for those left with little more than the clothes on their back.
Both Crown Prince Haakon and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre have visited local officials and victims of the blaze. The fire is believed to have broken out in one of the row houses in the area, was reportedly explosive in nature and then spread rapidly to neighbouring units and beyond. There were no fatalities or serious injury, but several pets remain missing.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
