Six dead and five injured in ‘deliberate’ Swiss bus fire
Six dead and five injured in ‘deliberate’ Swiss bus fire
A bus fire in Switzerland has claimed at least six lives, with authorities suggesting the incident was deliberately set by a man on board, as reported by police and local media. The blaze erupted in Kerzers, a town in the Fribourg canton, at approximately 6:25 pm on Tuesday. The identities of the victims remain undisclosed.
Five individuals were injured, including an emergency responder. Three of the casualties were hospitalized in critical condition, according to Fribourg police. The total number of people inside the bus at the time of the fire is still under investigation, as officials have not confirmed how many were present.
A witness’s video, shared with Swiss newspaper Blick, indicated that a man on the bus ‘dispersed petrol and ignited himself.’ This account was supported by other observers, the report noted. The police spokeswoman at a news conference suggested the fire might have been an arsonistic act, adding that they had information pointing to a person as the culprit.
“We have information that a person is responsible for the fire,” she stated.
She mentioned that while there was information indicating someone had doused themselves in petrol, she couldn’t confirm the details. Another official stated the fire may have been intentionally set, with authorities withholding details about whether the accused is among the injured or deceased.
Authorities have not excluded the possibility of a terror attack, with an ongoing investigation to determine the cause. The scene remains cordoned off, with the charred bus hidden behind barriers. Neighbors are advised to steer clear of the area.
Schweizerische Post, the bus operator, issued a statement to Der Bund: “We extend our condolences to the injured and the families of those who lost their lives.”
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