VR Intercity Train Skips Scheduled Stop in Kempele Due to Driver Error
A VR Intercity train traveling from Oulu to Helsinki failed to stop at Kempele Station as scheduled on Saturday afternoon, leaving passengers stranded and causing delays for both boarding and disembarking travelers. The incident, attributed to human error, disrupted travel plans for at least 18 passengers.
The train, identified as Pendolino 26 (or S26), was due to stop at Kempele at 13:42 but instead sped past the station without slowing down. Ilta-Sanomat reports that 15 passengers were waiting to board the train, while three others were scheduled to disembark at Kempele. A passenger who witnessed the incident described the train passing by without stopping, leaving those on the platform frustrated.
VR’s communications confirmed the oversight, stating that the train "accidentally drove past Kempele" (MTV Uutiset). Anni Romu, a representative from VR’s communications, explained that the error likely occurred because not all trains on the Oulu–Helsinki route stop at Kempele, which may have contributed to the driver’s mistake. "This was a human error by the driver," Romu told Ilta-Sanomat.
Delays and Compensation
Passengers affected by the incident faced significant delays. Those who missed the train were forced to wait nearly two hours for the next service to Helsinki, while the three passengers who were supposed to disembark at Kempele were taken back to the station on the following northbound train. According to VR, the wait at the next station was relatively short for disembarking passengers.
A frustrated passenger told Ilta-Sanomat that VR’s customer service advised them to purchase new tickets, adding to the inconvenience. VR has acknowledged the disruption and stated that such oversights are rare. The company’s website notes that compensation may be available for long-distance journeys affected by service disruptions (MTV Uutiset).
VR emphasized its commitment to ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely, even in unexpected situations. "VR also ensures that passengers reach their destinations safely even in disruption situations," Romu said.
