Norway closes Hamar fire probe as fatal Vennesla blaze investigated

Norwegian prosecutors have closed the investigation into a fatal September fire in Hamar that killed four young women, concluding the cause remains unknown. The victims—Astrid Støe Valla, Ester Moe Ljødal, Ida Bæk Nordland, and Ariane Haga—died during a social gathering. Innlandet Police District stated that forensic evidence yielded no conclusive explanation.

Following the announcement, Birgit Valla, mother of 18-year-old victim Astrid, shared her experience of the tragedy and her ongoing grief.

Meanwhile, emergency services responded to a separate fatal fire in a Vennesla row house on Wednesday. Agder police confirmed one person died at the scene. Crime scene technicians are investigating the cause while neighboring residents remain evacuated.

Sources: Aftenposten, NRK, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang)