Swiss Bus Fire Investigation Points to Deliberate Act, No Terror Motive
Police in Switzerland are investigating a devastating bus fire that claimed at least six lives and left five others injured, with authorities suspecting a deliberate act by a person onboard but finding no evidence of a terrorist motive at this stage. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in the town of Kerzers, located in the canton of Fribourg, approximately 12 miles west of the capital, Berne.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The vehicle, operated by PostBus, a service that transports passengers and mail across rural areas, erupted in flames, causing widespread shock and grief. Frédéric Papaux, a spokesperson for Fribourg police, stated that investigators are following up on reports indicating someone on the bus had doused themselves in fuel and set themselves on fire. "At this stage, we have evidence suggesting a deliberate act by a person who was inside the bus," Papaux confirmed.
Public prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the matter. Martial Pugin, the communications chief for Fribourg police, provided an update on the injured, noting that two victims are in serious condition, while a third was able to return home overnight. Authorities have indicated that it will take several days to identify the six deceased individuals, and it remains unclear if the suspected arsonist is among the dead.
Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath
Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with flames spreading rapidly and causing the bus's tyres to explode, propelling debris up to 200 metres away. "Everything happened so quickly – and then within moments everything was in flames," one witness told the media outlet Blick. Another recounted hearing a loud bang and seeing people attempting to break open windows to rescue those trapped inside.
Images from the scene showed tall flames shooting from the bus windows and a plume of black smoke rising into the sky. Emergency services worked late into the night, and the charred remains of the yellow vehicle were removed from the road. People have since laid flowers at the site, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
Official Responses and Broader Context
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed his condolences, stating, "I am shocked and saddened that people in Switzerland have once again lost their lives in a serious fire." This tragedy follows a devastating fire on New Year's Eve in Crans-Montana, which resulted in 41 deaths and 115 injuries, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the country.
Romain Collaud, a member of the Fribourg state council, clarified that the bus involved was not an electric vehicle, ruling out theories related to electric motor fires. "It was a bus with a combustion engine," he told broadcaster RTS. PostBus, a fixture in Swiss rural life used by about half a million people daily, including schoolchildren, has been deeply affected. CEO Stefan Regli described the event as a "terrible tragedy" that has shocked all employees.
As the investigation continues, police are collecting DNA samples from families of the victims, with identification expected to take up to 48 hours. The community remains in mourning, awaiting further details on this tragic event that has shaken western Switzerland.
