Peter Carlsson, former Northvolt CEO.
UPDATE: 11:45, THURS
In November 2023, an explosion at Northvolt in Skellefteå led to a 25-year-old man being hospitalised for weeks before he succumbed to his injuries. Police and prosecutors have been investigating the incident.
Police previously questioned four middle managers in the investigation, informing them of their suspected involvement in a crime: alleged workplace safety breaches.
One reason for informing them of criminal suspicion is to ensure they have the opportunity to have a defense attorney present during questioning. The prosecutor, Christer B Jarlås, stated it would be unfair to interrogate them without such representation.
All four middle managers deny any wrongdoing.
– They maintain that the responsibility does not lie with them.
As previously revealed, Northvolt founder Peter Carlsson has also been questioned by the police and informed of the possible charges.
Why was he among those interviewed?
He was heard because he held a position of responsibility, including as chairman of the board of Northvolt Ett, says Jarlås.
Northvolt Ett is the company that operated the battery factory in Skellefteå.
In a text message to Norran, Peter Carlsson writes:
"The accident that occurred in 2023 is incredibly unfortunate and sad. Otherwise, I await the investigation and have no other comments."
Jarlås states they also intend to question another individual: Mark Duchesne, who served as CEO of Northvolt Ett when the explosion occurred. He will also be charged with a crime.
Mark Duchesne, former CEO of Northvolt Ett.
However, it remains unclear when Mark Duchesne can be interviewed.
– The police have tried to locate him multiple times, but we haven't been able to question him because he was in the USA. He needs to be in Sweden for us to be able to talk to him, says Jarlås.
Mark Duchesne stepped down as CEO in October last year. According to the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), he is still registered at an address in Skellefteå.
– As I understand it, he visits Sweden from time to time, says Jarlås.
The investigation aims to determine who was responsible for the death, and Jarlås hopes to press charges at some point. However, it remains uncertain whether charges will be filed, and if so, against whom.
– The outcome could be that no one is charged. Alternatively, only one or several of the suspects might face prosecution.
– Theoretically, multiple individuals could be prosecuted if they were all involved in some way and could have acted differently to prevent what happened.
UPDATE, 10:20, WEDS
The charge is involuntary manslaughter over alleged workplace safety breaches.
Prosecutor Christer B Jarlås tells Aftonbladet that several people at the company have been interviewed, and that two of them have been assigned defence lawyers.
– We’ve interviewed four or five people, but plan to speak with another two or three, Jarlås tells the newspaper.
According to Aftonbladet’s sources, former CEO Peter Carlsson will soon be formally notified that he is suspected of involuntary manslaughter over alleged workplace safety breaches. This is also confirmed by the prosecutor.
– Yes, we’re speaking to people from management and downwards. He’s not the only one still involved, says Christer B Jarlås.
– I’ve worked with this for thirty years and have never come across a company with such an unclear delegation structure, where it’s not clear who is responsible for what. It hasn’t been easy to investigate but that says something about the company.