Police on site after the explosion on November 4, 2023.
In November 2023, a 25-year-old man was taken to Akademiska Hospital in Uppsala following an explosion at Northvolt. He suffered severe burns and received treatment in a specialist unit for several weeks before succumbing to his injuries.
In September of last year, Norran reported that Northvolt would be formally notified of suspected workplace safety violations involving gross negligence causing death. “If found guilty, the company risks a corporate fine of several million kronor,” stated the article from last autumn.
SVT Nyheter Västerbotten reports that the prosecutor will proceed with the case despite Northvolt’s bankruptcy.
– The investigation continues as usual. The difference is that I can no longer pursue a corporate fine; instead, it will be a matter of personal responsibility, says Christer B. Jarlås, who is leading the investigation.
SVT: Do you have a person to hold accountable for the fatal accident?
– Yes, there are several people involved. I can’t say exactly how many. It’s a complex company—those you think are responsible for something are not always the ones who actually are.
Environmental prosecutor Christer B Jarlås is leading the investigation into the explosion.
He believes the investigation could be completed by May at the earliest.
– Individuals will be formally notified of the charges, and lawyers will be appointed. Right now, only the company has a lawyer. Then the suspects must be given a chance to speak, says Jarlås to SVT.