Mongstad Facility Investigates Fatal Accident; Worker in His 20s Dies
Mongstad, Norway – A man in his 20s perished in an accident at an Equinor facility near Mongstad on Tuesday, prompting investigations by police and the Norwegian Sea Industry Authority. The Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority has been notified, but confirmed the incident occurred within the Sea Industry Authority’s jurisdiction.
Around 4,500 employees have participated in information meetings over the past two days regarding the incident. Equinor press spokesman Ellen Maria Skjelsbæk described the atmosphere as somber, stating, “It’s something that everyone is affected by. It is indeed noticed at mongstad that we have had a tragic event. It’s a tough and a bad day.”
Employees leaving meetings described a subdued atmosphere. “But you know it. It is indeed special to get hear to half bar and little activity,” one employee told Bergens Avisen (BA).
Equinor Construction Director Bernt Edvard Tysseland refuted claims that employees were instructed not to speak to the media.
The accident has also impacted the local community of Austrheim, where many residents work at or have connections to the Mongstad facility. Logistics operator Matias Kaland, working at the nearby CCB base, stated, “We work closely with Equinor, they are our neighbor here. Of course, it’s scary to hear about.” Kaland noted increased focus on safety protocols following the incident, adding, “Every time we have a lifting operation, we talk about what can go wrong. Today we talked a lot about the safety during such operations.”
Police prosecutor Sigrid Sulland confirmed multiple interrogations have been conducted and more are planned. Forensic technicians investigated the site on Wednesday and Thursday,alongside representatives from the Norwegian sea Industry Authority and Equinor. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of the accident, which remains under examination. Police are collecting documentation related to routines, risk management, and training.