Police close investigation into fatal Hamar fire in Norway

Norwegian authorities have formally closed their investigation into a fatal house fire in Hamar that claimed the lives of four women aged 18 and 19 last September. Public prosecutors shelved the case after Innlandet police concluded the cause of the fire remains unknown, finding no evidence of criminal acts. The victims—Astrid Støe Valla, Ester Moe Ljødal, Ida Bæk Nordland, and Ariane Haga—were gathered for a social gathering when the blaze broke out.

Following the decision, relatives including Birgit Valla, mother of Astrid, shared public reflections on their loss and ongoing grief as families attempt to cope.

Separately, emergency logs released regarding a major fire in Krokstadelva, Drammen, revealed a 17-minute response time under severe weather conditions, marking one of the region's largest incidents.

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