Tragic Midsummer Weekend in Finland: at least seven dead

Finland's midsummer celebrations have been overshadowed by a wave of deaths, with at least seven people losing their lives over two days. The actual number of victims may be higher, as one missing person remains unfound.

Finland traditionally celebrates Midsummer on the weekend preceding Midsummer's Eve, but this year the festivities beginning on Friday have been marred by tragic news. At least seven people have died in the country over two days.

The final death toll could prove even higher, as one missing person has not yet been found. Emergency services continue their search operations.

Midsummer is one of Finland's most important national celebrations, when people gather by lakes around bonfires. Statistics show that this holiday is traditionally associated with a higher number of accidents, particularly near water.