Three firms face scrutiny in fatal mudslide probe

Police are investigating Bane Nor, Infrakraft, and Niras for possible breaches of the Working Environment Act after a construction worker died in a mudslide in Levanger last month.

Trøndelag Police District has designated three companies as suspects in the investigation into the mudslide in Levanger municipality that claimed one life in late August.

The three companies are Bane Nor as project owner, Infrakraft as contractor, and Niras as employer of the deceased.

Police will now examine potential violations of the Working Environment Act and associated regulations, according to Chief Public Prosecutor Kjetil Bruland Sørensen, police attorney at Trøndelag Police District.

Focus on safety measures

The investigation will map out what assessments and measures the various companies undertook before the slide occurred, according to Sørensen.

In the initial phase, police have worked to obtain documentation and interview witnesses who were in the area when the incident happened. Suspect status has been assigned based on the information police have regarding the companies’ roles in the case.

Lengthy investigation expected

Police will now conduct additional witness interviews and obtain relevant documentation. Independent geotechnical expertise has also been appointed to assist in the investigation.

The work is expected to be time-consuming, with the expert report anticipated to be completed in spring 2026.