Authorities in Norway are investigating a suspected sabotage incident at a disused transformer station in Bærum, near Oslo, where approximately 60 tonnes (60,000 liters) of oil leaked on Sunday.

According to Statnett, Norway’s national power grid operator, an inspection revealed that a fence had been cut, and the cover at the bottom of the transformer was unscrewed and left open, allowing the oil to spill. Thomas Fennefoss, Project Manager at Statnett, stated that the incident appears to have been deliberate.

However, Norwegian police have said that they currently have no concrete evidence confirming sabotage. An investigation is ongoing.

The leaked oil, while not harmful to humans, has environmental consequences, as it has reached the Sandvikselva River and seeped into the ground. Clean-up operations are underway, with oil barriers and absorbents deployed to contain the spill. Richard Kongsteien, Communication Manager for Bærum municipality, confirmed that efforts are being made to minimize the environmental impact.

Source: euronews.com