Man in his twenties killed in collision on Highway 4 in Gjøvik – driver turned himself in
A young man died overnight Friday to Saturday after being struck by a car on Highway 4 in Gjøvik. A man in his thirties turned himself in to police and is suspected of negligent hit-and-run.
Suspected of negligent hit-and-run following fatal accident in Gjøvik
A man in his twenties died overnight Friday to Saturday after being struck by a car on Highway 4 between Gjøvik and Mjøsbrua, according to NRK Norge. The deceased was found by a passerby who noticed something on the road and turned back to investigate more closely.
Police received a report of a severely injured person along the roadside at 03.30. Emergency services responded immediately and began emergency first aid, but on Saturday morning the man was pronounced dead. His next of kin have been informed.
Driver turned himself in at Hamar police station
Earlier in the day, police prosecutor Julie Dalsveen at Innlandet police district urged the person responsible to come forward.
– We urgently request that the person or persons involved in the collision turn themselves in, said Dalsveen.
At 13.18, a man in his thirties from the Mjøsområdet area arrived at Hamar police station accompanied by his lawyer. Operations chief Bård Einar Hoft confirmed his arrival and said that police had received a number of tips from the public during the day.
Police lawyer Marte Johansen said there is reasonable suspicion that the man is the driver in question. A vehicle has been seized in connection with the case.
Lawyer: client chose to turn himself in
The suspect's lawyer, Barbro Røkenes, confirmed that her client voluntarily chose to approach the police.
– My client wanted to turn himself in to police today of his own accord, but he has not been interviewed yet. So I cannot comment on whether he accepts guilt, said Røkenes.
Police prosecutor Dalsveen said on Saturday afternoon that the interview would take place during the day, and that she could not discuss the content of his statement before it was completed.
Bicycle found at scene – car parts secured
Based on evidence from the scene, police believe the man was struck by a car. A bicycle has been found that is connected to the incident – the bicycle has damage, but police will not provide details about the extent of the damage. Additionally, car parts have been recovered at the scene, and police are working to determine which vehicle they came from and whether they can be linked to the accident.
The case is being investigated as negligent hit-and-run, and this is also the charge against the man in his thirties.
To identify the vehicle early in the investigation, police contacted insurance companies and car repair shops in the area.
– We believe that whoever was involved in the collision must have noticed it, and that it is likely there would be a need for repairs to the vehicle, said Dalsveen.
Forensic technicians worked at the accident site, and the highway was closed for several hours as a result of the investigation. Police also obtained information from security cameras along the road and records from toll booths. Drivers with dashboard cameras who drove on the stretch between 02.00 and 07.00 overnight Friday to Saturday were asked to come forward.
Mayor: – The worst thing a family can experience
Mayor of Gjøvik, Anne Bjertnes, described the incident as a tragedy for the municipality.
– Our thoughts are first and foremost with the family. They have lost a family member in a sudden and unexpected way. This is the worst thing a family can experience, said Bjertnes.
The municipality's psychosocial crisis team has been placed on alert and is, according to the mayor, ready to assist if the family, police or health services consider it necessary.
Source: NRK Norge