Over the weekend, the police worked to question several of those involved in the landslide that took place in Heim municipality in Trøndelag on Friday evening. An 85-year-old woman died, and six people were sent to hospital. A total of four interviews were conducted this weekend. Two of the deceased’s close family members, as well as two of the construction workers who were at work when the landslide occurred. This is according to Randi Fagerholt, who is a service leader in the police in Trøndelag. On Monday, it became known that the construction work has started again: Traumatic and difficult – The son of the deceased has been questioned at St. Olav, and is still in hospital. He describes a violently traumatic and difficult situation, says Fagerholt. When he hears a crash, he is inside the house with the deceased and three others. – He does not understand what is happening. He sees that the ground changes, and it undulates under his feet, says Fagerholt. The man understands that it is urgent, and runs out with his daughter and sister. On his way out, he calls 113. – While he is on his way out, he becomes aware that the mother and the 2-year-old are still in the house. Got to move On Sunday evening, a meeting was held according to mayor Odd Jarle Svanem. – Then we heard about what it was like to be present and enter the house, he says. Now it is the municipality’s responsibility to get everyday life going, the mayor explains. On Saturday evening, the Norwegian Road Administration confirmed that they are reasonably certain that there may be a connection between the construction of the new E39 and the landslide that occurred in Valsøyfjord on Friday evening. The destruction is evident after the landslide. Photo: Arne Kristian Gansmo / news They have set up crisis management after the landslide, and an external expert group has been set up to look at the causes of the landslide. – If there is anyone in the area who feels unsafe living near the developments, there will be an opportunity to live somewhere else temporarily. The mayor points out that no one has expressed a desire for it yet, but that the Norwegian Public Roads Administration is on the offer side. – We have a good collaboration. If someone feels unsafe, it is possible to be allowed to move. Great effort On Monday morning, traffic will run as normal in the area of the landslide. At the same time, trees are criss-crossed, and the house that was taken by the landslide is destroyed and embedded in congealed mud. The two-year-old and the mother have now been discharged from hospital. – I am very proud of the crew we have in the municipality – who went in and saved the girl, says the mayor. SP mayor Odd Jarle Svanem and municipal director Ola Morten Teigen on an inspection after a landslide in Valsøyfjord in Heim municipality. Photo: Bjarte Johannesen / news He does not hesitate to call them heroes. – Both those who were inside the house and made an honorable effort there, and those who work in the psychosocial team who took care of those who were gathered and needed someone to talk to. A great effort has really been made. Svanem looks back to when 2.2 billion was set aside for the new E39. People had been waiting a long time, and everyone was happy that development was approved. – Now there is development, and it is very sad that the new road should contribute to a fatal accident, says Svanem. – No one could have predicted something like that. The collapse came out of the blue. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration says they are reasonably certain that there may be a connection between the construction of the new E39 and the landslide. Photo: Bjarte Johannesen / news Leaning on expert group Randi Fagerholt in the police refers to the one construction worker for questioning. He has described that he suddenly sees that some vegetation has disappeared. – It has disappeared down the hill. He sees the damage to the house and vegetation that covers parts of the current E39, she says. Fagerholt does not know how far from the landslide the two construction workers were, but confirms that work was taking place when the landslide occurred. – There are many people involved. And this is traumatic for several people, both family members and those who are at work when it happens. We in the police are unable to uncover the cause of the crash based on interrogation, but a group of experts is needed. It has been set up, and we will rely on that expert group. Rørt mayor of Heim, Odd Jarle Svanem (Sp), thanks helpful neighbors for the landslide in Valsøyfjord.
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Those who feel unsafe after the landslide in Valsøyfjord in Heim municipality get help to move – news Trøndelag
