Excavator Falls Into Aura River in Turku, Causing Minor Oil Leak
An excavator partially fell into the Aura River in Turku on Tuesday, prompting a response from the Southwest Finland Rescue Department. The incident occurred before noon, with the construction machine tipping onto the riverbank and coming into contact with the water.
The Southwest Finland Rescue Department confirmed that the excavator, described as a piling machine, remained upright on the mainland side after partially entering the river. Iltalehti reports that the machine was being operated remotely, meaning no one was inside at the time of the accident. No personal injuries were reported, though a work platform also fell into the river (Iltalehti).
The cause of the incident remains unclear. Ilta-Sanomat notes that an ambulance was present at the scene, though its role is not specified. A witness, Juha Halmiainen, observed the situation from across the river and described the excavator as leaning precariously toward the water (Ilta-Sanomat).
Oil Leak and Containment Efforts
A minor oil leak was detected from the machine, prompting immediate containment measures. Toni Pyökäri, the on-duty fire chief, stated that a water curtain—a pressure-operated barrier placed on the riverbed—had already been installed due to ongoing construction near the water. This curtain helped prevent the oil from spreading further (Iltalehti).
As an additional precaution, the rescue department deployed an oil boom in the river. Pyökäri confirmed that preparations for lifting the machine were underway by late afternoon, with the actual operation expected to take several hours. The construction site contractor, rather than the rescue department, is responsible for the recovery effort, while authorities remain on-site to monitor for further leaks (Iltalehti).
Pyökäri expressed optimism that the piling machine could be repaired, suggesting it avoided major damage in the incident.
