Two middle-aged men died in a workplace accident in Bergvik, Söderhamn municipality, when a large tire exploded. The incident occurred around 11:30–12:00 on Tuesday and was discovered shortly after 1:00 p.m. The event is under investigation as an occupational safety crime and causing death by negligence.
A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday at a workplace in Bergvik, a small locality in Söderhamn municipality. Two men, described as the community's 'pillars' and well-known locally, likely died when a large tire exploded. According to prosecutor Åse Schultz, the incident happened between 11:30 and 12:00, but the alarm to police came only at 1:00 p.m. A man visiting one of the deceased discovered them and ran to a nearby office to call for help.
A wheel loader is believed to have been involved, but the exact circumstances remain unclear. 'The question is whether they were changing the tire on the wheel loader or using it to transport a large tire. We don't know that', Schultz told Expressen. The men were alone at the site, and investigators are examining whether they were self-employed or employees. The case is being probed as an occupational safety crime and two counts of causing death by negligence, with no suspects named.
The accident has shaken the small community. The two men were close friends who socialized as families. Restaurant owner Ahmad Hussein, 36, who runs Brogrillen in Bergvik, calls them his 'Swedish uncles'. They helped him integrate since arriving in Sweden in 2018, including shoveling snow from his parking lot and joining family events. 'They helped me a lot. Both of them. And not just me. Many in Bergvik are grateful for everything they've done. Many have broken hearts now', Ahmad told Aftonbladet. He recalls their last order – chicken salad and chicken wrap – and regrets not dancing with one of them on their final visit. Hussein visited Bergvik Church on Tuesday evening and describes himself as shocked.
