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A family of four was found dead after a fire at an apartment house in Svelvik on Monday night. There is a suspicion that the father of the family committed extended suicide.
– Preliminary autopsy reports indicate that the mother and two children died before the fire broke out. This is why the case is currently being investigated as a murder and arson, says police inspector Odd Skei Kostveit in a press release.
The on-site investigation reinforces the theory of murder and suicide, Kostveit tells Drammens Tidende.
- So far, we don't have a good explanation of why this happened. We don't have any specific information on the theme at the moment, he says to VG.
Police confirm that the three dead were killed, the cause of death was not related to the fire. Nevertheless, several hypotheses about the course of events are under development.
A deceased firefighter committed extended suicide
- The relatives have been given some details on this, but we don't want to disclose them for the time being, Kostveit replies.
According to the police inspector, neither the father nor the family had any previous records.
Several witnesses are questioned
Police are still working on the evidence found at the scene of the fire. They will also question several witnesses.
- The colleagues and the school were informed about the development of the case - says Kostveit.
The dead are a 43-year-old man, a 42-year-old woman, a twelve-year-old girl and a ten-year-old boy.
- We're in shock
The Drammen fire department had previously confirmed that the man was their employee.
- Our thoughts go to our loved ones and the local community. We are shocked and regretted and ask for your understanding of our current situation. We need time to understand this tragedy, the press release reads.
Drammen Øyvind Aas, Chief of Police Station, says this news is a big blow.
- This tragic affair affected a small community. When the investigation now also indicates that one of the deceased was responsible for the death of the family, it hits relatives, friends and colleagues very hard.
A fire broke out in a wooden house on Berger in Svelvik on Monday evening. The house was on fire when the fire brigade arrived at the scene.
On Tuesday, forensic technicians from the police entered the scene of the fire and found four people dead.
The dead have already been formally identified, police say.
Due to further investigation, the police are unable to provide more details about the investigation being carried out on the spot, Kostveit says.
Source: NTB
Photo: Torstein Bøe / NTB
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