Investigation Underway After Fatal Tire Explosion at Bergvik Workplace

Two men tragically lost their lives in a workplace accident in Bergvik, Söderhamn, on Tuesday, January 28, 2026. The incident is believed to have occurred between 11:30 AM and noon, more than an hour before emergency services were alerted around 1 PM. Prosecutor Åse Schultz confirmed that a large tire explosion is suspected to be the cause of the deaths, but the exact circumstances remain unclear.

The men were found by a visitor who had arrived to see one of them in the garage and subsequently raised the alarm at a nearby office. At the time, the men were alone at the site, which adds complexity to understanding the precise sequence of events. Investigators suspect a wheel loader may have been involved—either because the men were changing a tire or using the loader to handle a large tire—though this has not been definitively established.

The two men were well-known members of the Bergvik community with close ties to each other, described as pillars within their local area. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into potential workplace safety violations and two counts of causing another's death. As of now, no suspects have been identified or charged.

This tragic accident highlights the dangers present in industrial settings and ongoing concerns about workplace safety compliance in Sweden's manufacturing and heavy equipment sectors. The investigation continues to determine whether lapses in safety protocols contributed to the fatal tire explosion and to prevent future occurrences of similar tragedies.