A severe workplace accident occurred at the Keitele Wood mill on Wednesday morning, resulting in the death of an employee who was struck by a wheel loader while arriving for work. The incident took place around 7 a.m., highlighting ongoing safety concerns within the wood processing industry. According to Savon Sanomat, the employee was working in production when he was involved in the fatal accident, emphasizing the risks faced by workers in heavy machinery environments.

Matti Kylävainio, the CEO of Keitele Wood, confirmed that the company is cooperating with law enforcement, as a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is underway. The company has also arranged crisis and counseling support for its staff in response to the tragedy, indicating the impact of such incidents on workplace morale and mental health. Employee safety and the protocols in place for operating heavy machinery are expected to come under scrutiny as a result of this incident.

Eastern Finland's police commissioner, Esko Salo, has also verified that law enforcement agencies are actively involved in the investigation into this work-related accident, which was ongoing as of noon on the day of the accident. The situation continues to develop, with updates anticipated as more information becomes available regarding the safety measures and the investigation's findings. This incident underscores the critical importance of workplace safety and the need for strict adherence to protocols in high-risk environments.