High-speed collision claims life of one of Norway’s richest men

One of Norway’s wealthiest individuals has died in a car accident in Poland.

A fatal high-speed crash claimed the lives of two individuals on May 1 morning near Warsaw, Poland, including Norwegian seafood magnate Håkon Vigner Lindal Olaisen, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The accident occurred approximately 50 kilometers southeast of the Polish capital. According to local police, a Jaguar traveling at high speed veered off the roadway for reasons yet to be determined and collided with a tree. Both the driver and the passenger died at the scene. One of the victims was later identified as a Norwegian national.

On Friday, Norwegian publication Rana Blad confirmed that one of the deceased was 42-year-old Håkon Olaisen, a prominent figure in Norway’s seafood industry. He was a co-owner of Nova Sea, a leading salmon farming and processing company in northern Norway, established by his father in 1972. The company currently operates over 30 fish farms.

With a personal fortune estimated at more than EUR 46 million, Olaisen was considered one of Norway’s 400 wealthiest individuals. His death marks a significant loss for the Norwegian aquaculture sector, where he was known for his business acumen and leadership.

The crash coincided with Poland entering a period of reduced activity, as many residents took extended time off to enjoy the warm weather and a series of national holidays. In anticipation of increased road traffic, authorities had launched their annual road safety campaign on Wednesday. Police stepped up roadside checks and appealed to motorists to reduce speed and remain vigilant during what is traditionally a high-risk travel period.

During last year’s May holiday season, 34 people were killed and 460 injured in 401 road accidents, according to police statistics.

Investigations into crash are ongoing, with authorities yet to determine what caused the vehicle to leave the road.

By Vafa Guliyeva