An extensive investigation into the violent ship fire that ravaged Køge Harbor on Tuesday afternoon has now shed light on the cause of the fire. The Mid and West Zealand Police have confirmed that the fire originated in the cargo hold during the handling and piloting of waste, including metal and plastic waste. There are no indications that the fire was intentional or the result of criminal actions. “It happened in connection with the handling and piloting of waste. There are no signs of anything suspicious,” the police announced, while still investigating whether all relevant safety regulations and procedures were followed correctly.
The fire led to heavy smoke development that drifted over the town of Køge. Authorities reacted swiftly, advising citizens to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed to minimize exposure to the harmful smoke. Ten people were subsequently examined at Køge Hospital for potential smoke inhalation, but none required hospitalization. It was not until Wednesday morning that the fire department managed to gain control over the flames, allowing residents to move freely in the area once again.
During the fire, several citizens, including Susanne Borén and her two friends, were trapped in a local restaurant for 12 hours due to the dangerous smoke. The police and fire department continue to investigate the incident to ensure that similar episodes can be prevented in the future.