Police investigation into fatal Haugesund fire shifts toward technical cause

Police in Haugesund have stated that the hypothesis of criminal intent in a fatal fire is significantly weakened. Investigators now believe the blaze, which resulted in the death of a man in his 40s, was most likely caused by a technical fault or an open flame, such as candles or smoke.

A man in his 30s, who was previously arrested and charged with gross endangerment of the public, has been released. While he remains formally charged due to the use of coercive measures during the investigation, police prosecutor Mohammad Ali Khan noted that this status does not imply strengthened suspicion. The suspect denies involvement, with his defense attorney stating his client had not been at the address for several days.