A fire broke out in a warehouse near the railway tracks on Götgatan in central Hässleholm. Police began evacuating residential buildings and blocked off the site around the building. The Swedish Transport Administration then issued a forecast that train traffic northwards will start again earlier Monday.
- I see thick black smoke and high flames. There are a lot of police and fire trucks in place, said a witness SVT talked to.
The Swedish Transport Administration describes the damage as extensive and that it involves large costs. The forecast was then set for Friday, August 23 at 8 pm.
"Unfortunately, it is very extensive damage, we partly have to rebuild a station here," said Annika Canaki, district manager maintenance of the Swedish Transport Administration.
Police say there are many tips coming in after the fire. They suspect that the big fire in Hässleholm has been created and investigated as an arson fire. The police have not been able to investigate because it is too hot on the spot.
- Many people have heard about this, people who have made observations. It is an event that draws a lot of commitment and affects many, said Peter Hansson, investigative leader for serious crimes at the Kristianstad police.
Sunday, August 19Skånetrafiken announces that they will deploy 60 replacement buses that run according to the timetable. SJ also reimburses replacement buses on the route between Alvesta and Malmö for travelers who already have a ticket.
- I recommend everyone to go another route, another day or to book the trip completely, said SJ's press spokesman Dan Olofsson.
The Swedish Transport Administration announces a new forecast, instead of Saturday, the Södra tribal line and the Blekingebanan will already open on Tuesday evening 23.59. Police say they can conduct the first on-site investigation on Tuesday.
- The southern main line is the pulse of train traffic here. That will make it easier for everyone, said Sara Lindström, press spokesperson at the Swedish Transport Administration.