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A fourth person has been found dead in the landslide area in Gjerdrum, one of them identified as Eirik Grønolen, 31. Rescue work continues for the survivors.
Specially trained dogs mark specific areas in the avalanche pit. Then the rescue teams do a good search at the points where the dogs mark. This work will continue overnight. Photo: Jil Yngland / NTB
The first nights after the landslide, rescue efforts were only carried out from the air, using drones, thermal cameras and helicopters. Ground searches are now also carried out at night in places where it is considered safe to move. Photo: Jil Yngland / NTB
Brigade Commander Knut Halvorsen (left) and Police Task Leader Knut Hammer say there is still hope of finding survivors. In particular, crews are looking for air pockets where people can be buried. Photo: Fredrik Hagen / NTB
Over 200 torches have been placed along Gjerdrumsveien in connection with the landslide, the local business community has contributed to this happening. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB
– We have made a new discovery of a dead person. It was made in the same area as discovery number three. Both were transported out of the area of the landslide, said operations manager Knut Hammer in the police at a press conference at 9 p.m. Saturday.
The third dead was found shortly after 5 p.m. on Saturday. The first two dead were also found in the same area.
The person who was found dead in the Gjerdrum landslide zone on Friday was identified on Saturday. The person in question was identified as Eirik Grønolen, born 1989, the police state in a press release.
His family members have been notified.
Light markings along the roads
– It is with great regret that we must affirm that another deceased person has been found, said Deputy Mayor Leif Haugland in Gjerdrum.
– My thoughts go to those who wait for answers from their loved ones, and I can only imagine how heavy and difficult they are now, he added.
In Gjerdrum, throughout the night of Saturday, several lights have appeared along the roads of the small municipality, which is located south of Gardermoen.
– I want to highlight a moving event that happened tonight. It is that the population of Gjerdrum has begun to light candles for the dead. We really appreciate it, said a clearly marked deputy mayor.
Scouting work continues tonight
Identifying the dead can help the way rescuers look, said fire service operations manager Kenneth Vangen.
– As we identify the findings, we can connect them to where people have lived. Therefore, we can search as efficiently as possible overnight, Vangen said.
Specially trained dogs have several points marked, which rescue teams will examine overnight.
– It will take many hours and last all night, but currently it is not known how long. It is also important that we take some breaks from the place so that our scents are not the ones that mark the dogs, he said.
As of Saturday night, rescue teams are still searching for survivors, who may be in pockets of air under buildings collapsed from the landslides, Vangen said.
The royal couple meets relatives.
The royal couple and the crown prince will visit Gjerdrum on Sunday. First, the trip goes to the Gjerdrum culture house, which is located near the landslide area. Then the royal couple head to the Olavsgård hotel and the crown prince to the Clarion Gardermoen.
In both hotels, they will meet relatives and evacuees. They will also meet with representatives of the municipality of Gjerdrum, as well as with the emergency services that contribute to the comprehensive rescue operation.
In his New Year’s speech, King Harald sent a warm greeting to those affected after the landslide.
– The terrible incident deeply impresses us all. I pity you who enter the new year with pain and uncertainty, said the king.
On Friday, the police announced the names of the ten missing after the landslide in the municipality of Gjerdrum.
- Eirik Grønolen (1989), who has now been confirmed dead.
- Irene Ruud Gundersen (1951).
- Charlot Grymyr Jansen (1989).
- Alma Grymyr Jansen (2018).
- Bjørn-Ivar Grymyr Jansen (1980).
- Ann-Mari Olsen-Næristorp (1970).
- Victoria Emilie Næristorp-Sørengen (2007).
- Marius Brustad (1991).
- Lisbeth Neraas (1966).
- Rasa Lasinskiene (1971).
