Pedestrian pathway in East Helsinki collapses rapidly

A pedestrian pathway in East Helsinki experienced a sudden collapse on Friday, forming a steep uplift in the road surface. The incident, described as a "slide landslide," occurred near the intersection of Itäväylä and Meripellontie.

Kari Pudas, technical director for Helsinki's urban environment division, stated that the collapse was likely triggered by the weight of a large soil pile accumulated near a demolition site adjacent to the road. Geotechnical experts are investigating the precise cause, but the preliminary assessment points to the soil pile's excessive weight as the destabilizing factor.

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Slow deformations happen. But I don't remember such a drastic slide landslide of this magnitude.

The visual impact of the landslide is dramatic, with the asphalt cracked and buckled, resembling "miniature tectonic plates grinding against each other." Pudas noted the unusual speed and scale of the slide, stating, "Slow deformations happen. But I don't remember such a drastic slide landslide of this magnitude."

The affected section of the pathway has been secured with fencing due to its "dangerous and unstable" condition. Pudas assured that the road will be repaired as quickly as possible.

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dangerous and unstable