In the early hours of Sunday morning, a devastating fire broke out in a camper van located in Rana, Nordland, leading to the tragic discovery of a deceased individual within the charred remains. The Nordland Police District was alerted to the incident around 6 a.m. by neighbors who noticed the blaze. By 10:30 a.m., operations leader Veronica Nylund confirmed the camper van was completely burned down and that a body had been found amidst the ruins.
The police have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, though they caution that it is too early to draw any conclusions. In a statement, Nylund mentioned that the next of kin have been notified and are being supported by the municipality's crisis team. Out of respect for the bereaved, authorities have chosen not to disclose the age or gender of the deceased at this time.
Emergency services, including seven personnel from the Rana Fire and Rescue, responded to the scene. Per Skotnes, the officer in charge, described the response time as approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Upon arrival, the team found the camper van entirely consumed by flames, leaving them with the grim task of merely ensuring the fire was fully extinguished. The van was situated near a garage close to a public road, according to Skotnes.
As the community reels from this tragic event, the focus now shifts to the ongoing investigation. The police have assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to uncover the circumstances surrounding this fatal incident. Meanwhile, the municipality's crisis team continues to provide support to those affected by this heartbreaking loss.
Kalmar, a leading provider of cargo-handling solutions, has successfully completed a significant refurbishment project in collaboration with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) at the Port of Abidjan in Ivory Coast. The project focused on the overhaul of two ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, a critical component of the terminal's operations. This initiative is part of Kalmar's Modernisation Services program, aimed at extending the lifespan and enhancing the performance of port equipment.
The scope of the project included the replacement of key components such as the forestay and pivot point bearings, trolley rails, short rails, and trolley and guide wheels. These upgrades are expected to significantly improve the cranes' efficiency and reliability, ensuring smoother operations at one of West Africa's busiest ports. The project, which was booked in Kalmar's Q4 2024 order intake, was completed in Q1 2025, demonstrating the company's ability to deliver complex projects on schedule.
In addition to the physical refurbishment, Kalmar also provided a comprehensive maintenance training program for the port technicians in Abidjan. This initiative is designed to empower the local team with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain the cranes in optimal condition, thereby maximizing their operational lifespan. Peter Bos, Project Manager at Kalmar, highlighted the importance of this training, noting its role in sustaining the long-term performance of the equipment.
This project marks another milestone in the ongoing partnership between Kalmar and AGL, which spans several years and includes similar refurbishment projects in other African countries such as Congo and Benin. AGL, a subsidiary of MSC, is a major player in Africa's port logistics sector, operating 17 container terminals across the continent. The successful completion of the Abidjan project underscores the mutual trust and collaboration between the two companies, setting a positive precedent for future endeavors.