In Pelkosenniemi, located in Lapland, a severe head-on collision between two cars has led to several serious injuries. The incident occurred on road 5, north of Pelkosenniemi, near the Kokkosniemi power plant, and involved a total of eight individuals. Emergency services had to extricate one person from a vehicle by dismantling parts of the car, highlighting the critical nature of the rescue operation.

Five individuals were taken to medical facilities by ambulance units, while three were airlifted by helicopters from Aslak, FinnHEMS, and the Border Guard. The accident resulted in the road being closed for emergency response and debris clearance, with it reopening just before 14:00. The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The accident comes at a time of increased traffic on Lapland roads, attributed to the onset of southern Finland's ski holiday season, as reported by police command centers. The heightened travel could be a factor in the accident, and authorities are urging caution among drivers during this busy period. The situation remains under review as updates unfold.