Fire Destroys church in Sweden, Police suspect Arson
A big fire in Sjösås "New Church" in Växjö destroyed the building on the 3rd of September. The emergency services were on site with several units, but were not able to save the church. The alarm was raised at 12.30 on Saturday, as heavy smoke was seen coming from the church tower. When the rescue services arrived, the fire had reached the main hall and it had gone through the window panes. Martin Olofsson, team leader at SOS Alarm, said that the fire was fully developed. Fortunately, no one was injured as the church was empty when the fire started. Although the investigations were not finished, the police considers the incident to be arson, as there were no natural causes for the fire.
The police but have already concluded that there are no natural causes, so the fire is suspected to be arson. The fire in Sjösås' new church occurred two weeks after the pastorate of Norra Gotland decided to close all its churches after a number of church buildings were vandalised. The Sjösås' new church was built in the 1860s.
The police opened a preliminary investigation into arson.
Source: SVT Nyheter
SVT Nyheter Sveriges Radio (1 month later)
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