Six dead and five injured in ‘deliberate’ Swiss bus fire
Six Fatalities and Five Injured in Suspected Swiss Bus Fire
A minimum of six individuals lost their lives in a bus fire that erupted in Kerzers, located within the western canton of Fribourg, on Tuesday evening at approximately 6:25 pm. Local authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the victims.
Incident Details and Initial Reports
The blaze, which completely consumed the vehicle, is under investigation for possible intentional origins. Fribourg police stated that they have received information suggesting a person may have ignited the fire, though confirmation remains pending.
“Our thoughts are with the injured and the families of the deceased,” said Schweizerische Post, the bus operator, in a statement shared with Der Bund.
Witness Accounts and Suspected Act
According to a video provided to Swiss newspaper Blick, a man inside the bus “poured out petrol and set himself alight,” as reported by onlookers. This claim was supported by additional witnesses, per the news outlet.
Police have not officially confirmed the account but noted the possibility of a “wilful act.” A separate spokesperson added that the fire might have been “deliberately” sparked and hinted that the accused could be among the injured or deceased.
Investigation and Security Measures
Authorities are examining whether the fire could be linked to a terror attack. Officers are stationed at the scene, where the charred bus is partially hidden by barriers. Nearby residents were urged to stay clear of the area.
President’s Response
“It distresses and saddens me that yet more people in Switzerland have lost their lives in a serious fire,” tweeted Swiss President Guy Parmelin. “The background is being clarified. To the relatives of the deceased from Kerzers, I extend my condolences. And I think of the injured & the emergency services.”
Recent Context of Tragedy
This incident follows a deadly bar fire in Crans-Montana, a Swiss mountain resort, that claimed 41 lives and left 115 others injured on January 1st. Most of the fatalities were teenagers, with a significant number being foreign nationals, including several from France and Italy.
