Authorities are currently probing the tragic bus fire that claimed at least six lives in a town near Switzerland’s capital. The incident has raised questions about whether it was an act of arson.
According to Frédéric Papaux, a spokesperson for the Fribourg region police, there is speculation that a “voluntary act” may have sparked the blaze on Tuesday evening in Kerzers, situated approximately 15 miles from Bern.
The fire also left five individuals injured, stirring memories of a previous devastating incident. Locals recall the New Year’s Eve fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 41 young people.
In an interview with Swiss broadcaster SRF, Christa Bielmann from the Fribourg police mentioned circulating reports suggesting that a person might have ignited the fire by pouring flammable liquid over themselves on the bus. She emphasized that these details are still under investigation and need further verification.
Expressing his sorrow over the incident, Swiss President Guy Parmelin took to social media platform X to convey his condolences. “It is both shocking and saddening to see another significant loss of life due to fire in Switzerland,” he stated. President Parmelin extended his sympathies to the families of the victims in Kerzers and shared his thoughts with the injured and the emergency responders.
On Wednesday morning, Martial Pugin, head of communications for the Fribourg cantonal police, clarified to broadcaster RTS that there is no current evidence suggesting the fire was a terrorist act.
The regional transport bus is operated by PostBus, which is affiliated with the national postal service. Images from the scene on Swiss media showed flames tearing through the bus.
“We are deeply moved by this tragic news. Our thoughts are with the victims, the injured, and all their families,” PostBus said in a statement on its website.
“After rushing to the scene, rescue teams noted that the vehicle was totally engulfed in flames,” the regional government said in a statement.
Ambulance and helicopter teams ferried three people with severe injuries to hospitals, while two others were treated on site, police said.
Papaux said at least six people were killed.
Police said the identification of the victims could take several days.
The burned-out vehicle was removed during the night and traffic returned to normal as of Wednesday morning.
