It was Magnar Skinnarland (50) and Øystein Bakke (65) who died in the crash at Møsvatn in Vinje.
In consultation with next of kin, the names of those who died are now being released after the i the Møsvatn incident in Vinje on the night of December 10, 2022.
Magnar Skinnarland, 50, and Øystein Bakke, 65, have died. Both lived in Rauland.
The two men were friends, according to police.
The emergency services were alerted by concerned relatives that they could not get in touch with the two, says the head of the service unit in Midt- and West-Telemark, Police Inspector Sigrid Dahl.
– We received a message through the AMK central at 01.37, says Dahl to VG.
It took about an hour for help to arrive.
– The air ambulance arrived first and took the only man out of the water. Then the hovercraft came and took the other one, says the police inspector.
No lives could be saved.
– It was felt that they had been in the water for so long that it wasn’t appropriate to attempt resuscitation, Dahl told VG.
Unsafe ice
It is not yet known how much time passed between the incident and notification to AMK, police told VG.
The cause of the accident is dangerous ice in the area.
The deceased were driving two scooters, one of which was left on the ground.
– Yesterday we were supposed to be at the crime scene with a helicopter, but the helicopter had to return due to technical problems, so we’re doing it again today in daylight, says Police Inspector Dahl.
– Tragic
Several VGs he spoke to after the incident said the deceased were well known and well liked in the local community.
– It’s just very tragic, very sad. My deepest condolences to the relatives, Vinje Mayor Jon Rikard Kleven told VG.
It was Sunday evening open church in Rauland church with candle lighting and mourning.
– We were supposed to meet for joy and a concert tomorrow. Now he has suddenly turned to pain. Everything is upside down and unreal, church keeper Kjell Magne Grave told VG on Saturday evening.
