Investigation launched into mysterious deaths at Swedish electric vehicle battery plant

In a concerning development, police in northern Sweden are investigating the mysterious deaths of three men who passed away shortly after working at an electric vehicle battery plant in the Arctic. The authorities are trying to determine if the deaths are connected, if foul play is involved, or if they are tragic workplace accidents. The incidents have captured the attention of Swedish media, with reports detailing the deaths of individuals who had been employed at Northvolt's facility in Skelleftea, located approximately 620 kilometers north of Stockholm. The victims include a 33-year-old cleaner who was found deceased in his bed the day after his evening shift, a 19-year-old employee who passed away in his sleep hours after a late-night work session, and a man in his 60s who was discovered dead on his balcony after working at the plant. Police investigator Johan Stabbfors mentioned that there are indications of potential exposure in one of the cases, prompting the opening of an investigation last week. Northvolt's head of communications, Matti Kataja, confirmed that the company conducted its own inquiries, which did not reveal any accidents or exposure incidents, welcoming the police's involvement in the matter. Northvolt, a prominent player in the electric vehicle battery industry, boasts a workforce of over 6,000 employees across several countries. The company's clientele includes major automotive industry players. However, recent setbacks emerged as German automaker BMW canceled a significant order for battery cells from Northvolt due to production delays. As the investigation into the tragic deaths unfolds, both the authorities and the company are cooperating to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the untimely passing of the three individuals linked to the battery plant in Sweden.