A bus fire in the Swiss town of Kerzers has killed at least six people and injured five others, with police treating the incident as a possible deliberate act. The blaze broke out on a PostBus in the main street of Kerzers, about 20 km west of Bern, at approximately 6.25 pm local time on Tuesday.
Fribourg cantonal police sergeant Frederic Papaux confirmed the death toll and injuries, stating that three of the five injured are in serious condition. “The police are currently treating the fire as a man-made incident, and even a deliberate act,” he said, adding that no other vehicles were involved.
Investigators are looking into reports that a person may have poured fuel on themselves, according to police spokesperson Christa Bielmann. She noted it was too early to determine if the incident was terror-related. A criminal investigation has been opened by public prosecutors.
Social media videos showed flames several metres high and black smoke rising from the bus. Emergency services found the vehicle completely engulfed in flames. A security perimeter was established, and three injured were taken to hospital, while two others were treated at the scene.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed shock and condolences, noting this is the second major fire in Switzerland in less than three months, after a New Year's bar fire in Crans-Montana killed 41. PostBus, the operator, said a psychological support team would be available for staff.
