Steamship collides with Suvantosilta Bridge in Joensuu
A medium-sized water traffic accident occurred on Friday afternoon when a 24-meter steamship struck the Suvantosilta Bridge in Joensuu. The incident took place on the Pielisjoki River, where the bridge crosses the waterway.
The North Karelia Rescue Department received an alert about the accident at 15:21, and eight units were dispatched to the scene (Ilta-Sanomat). According to MTV Uutiset, the steamship drifted into shallow water due to low water levels and strong currents before colliding with the bridge.
There were 12 people on board the vessel at the time of the incident, but no injuries were reported (MTV Uutiset). Rescue crews are currently on site, working to detach the vessel, which has become stuck on the riverbed.
The accident coincides with a steamship regatta taking place in Joensuu over the weekend (MTV Uutiset). Yle reported shortly before 16:00 that a steamship had collided with the bridge (Ilta-Sanomat).