The names were published in consultation with the men’s next of kin on Monday. The snowmobile that Skinnarland and Bakke were on went through the ice on Møsvatn in Vinje on the night of Saturday. – It’s like a wall was removed from the community at Møsstrond and Rauland when these two passed away, says co-resident for many years, Hillborg Romtveit. She has only good words to say about Magnar Skinnarland (50) and Øystein Bakke (65). Two unique men Skinnarland ran Rauland Snowmobile rental, in addition to being a postman. He is described as a unique, helpful and always cheerful villager. He had a great knowledge of boats and jet skis, and was an expert on engines. – We often got help from him when we lived without a road at Austli in Møsstrond for several years, says Romtveit. BIG Void: Living together for many years Hillborg Romtveit knew both of the two men who died. She describes them as two good guys. Romtveit has taken part in the program “There no one should think that someone could buy”. The picture of her is a stock photo. Photo: Virginie Surdej, Villa Lofoten Around 50 people live without a road in the area where the accident happened, and use the water as a thoroughfare. Øystein Bakke was occasionally with Magnar Skinnarland to deliver mail. Both loved to drive snowmobiles. In an interview with Varden four years ago, Bakke said that he enjoyed carrying the mail best in the winter. Then he could drive a scooter to every house. – It was just the festive season to get them in the house. Good mood and good stories, continues Romtveit. – Particularly skilled dentist Bakke worked daily as a dentist at the Rauland dental office. He had moved from Oslo and had a cabin by Møsvatn. In the summer of 2011, he bought the practice from Arnfinn Hegg, who retired. Hegg says he was completely devastated when he got the sad news on Saturday. – Øystein was a jovial and social fellow. He knew village life from before and was well liked, writes Hegg in a text message to news. Romtveit also says that Bakke was well liked. – Øystein was a particularly skilled dentist whom everyone liked. You didn’t have to dread going to the dentist when it was him, says Romtveit. She has every compassion for their loved ones. – They were two good guys. Peace be with them. Tragic accident On Sunday, a memorial service was organized in Rauland church for the men. There should actually have been a band concert there, but it was cancelled. The police had planned to investigate the accident site by helicopter on Sunday, but that has been postponed because the helicopter had to return. – They will try again on Monday, says Sigrid Dahl in the police in Midt- and Vest-Telemark. INVESTIGATING THE ACCIDENT: Sigrid Dahl of the police in Vest- and Midt-Telemark says they will make another attempt to investigate the accident site on Monday. Photo: Martin Torstveit / news The snowmobile the men were on is still in the water. The other was found on land. The police are treating the incident as a tragic accident. Warns against unsafe ice The ice is dangerous in several places now, the Red Cross warned in a press release on Saturday. They ask anyone who plans to go out on frozen water to check the thickness of the ice, and to bring simple safety equipment. – Although the ice may look solid, it is not safe to move out on the ice in many places, said Fredrik Oscar Brandt in the Red Cross Aid Corps.
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Magnar Skinnarland and Øystein Bakke died in the snowmobile accident – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
