Snow load on roofs getting risky in places
Järvenpää sports arena roof collapses, possibly under weight of snow
The Finnish Environment Institute is urging owners of buildings to clear snow from roofs to prevent structural damage. The snow load on roofs is thicker than normal, especially along the south coast and in the southwest of Finland.
On Wednesday, the roof of a sports arena in Järvenpää, north of Helsinki, collapsed, injuring two people. An investigation board is being set up to look into the causes, but the weight of the snow on the roof is seen as a likely factor.
Thirteen people were in the building at the time of the collapse, most of whom were children. The two injuries were not very serious, but rescue officials noted that the consequences could have been much worse, as sometimes fairly large events have been organised in the arena.
More on this subject:
 Finnish Meteorological Institute: Weather this severe 40 years ago
Helsingin Sanomat
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