Gothenburg Ferry Services Suspended After Repeated Green Laser Attacks from Karlatornet

Ferry operations in Gothenburg are suspended due to green laser attacks originating from Karlatornet, with police investigating multiple incidents affecting crew, motorists, and pedestrians.

    Key details

  • • Ferry services in Gothenburg suspended until Sunday morning due to green laser attacks on crew.
  • • Laser attacks traced to Karlatornet skyscraper, confirmed by police and ferry operators.
  • • No injuries reported; operations halted following strict safety protocols.
  • • Police investigating multiple reports including attacks on motorists and pedestrians.
  • • Earlier green laser incidents reported by bus drivers in Angered, connection unclear.

Ferry services on the Göta Älv in Gothenburg were suspended until Sunday morning following multiple incidents where ferry crew members were targeted by green laser beams. The laser attacks, believed to have originated from the Karlatornet skyscraper, prompted ferry operator Styrsöbolaget, part of Transdev, to halt operations as a safety precaution. Rose Saremi, press officer at Transdev, confirmed no one was physically injured but emphasized adherence to their security policy necessitated the suspension.

The initial incident occurred around 5 PM on Saturday, prompting reports to the police. Jennifer Last, police spokesperson for Region Västra Götaland, noted that the authorities had received several additional reports during the evening of green laser activity aimed at both motorists and pedestrians near Karlatornet. A police patrol was dispatched to investigate, although no suspects had been identified by late Saturday.

Earlier on the same day, bus drivers in Angered, a northeastern district of Gothenburg, also reported similar green laser incidents, though police have not confirmed any direct connection with the ferry attacks.

The situation remains under police investigation, with authorities monitoring the area around Karlatornet. Ferry services will remain halted until deemed safe to resume, prioritizing the safety of staff and passengers.

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