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A police representative suggested that a “voluntary act” might have ignited the blaze on Tuesday night.
GENEVA, Switzerland — Authorities are exploring the possibility that a bus fire, which tragically claimed at least six lives in a town west of Switzerland’s capital, was an intentional act.
Frédéric Papaux, a spokesperson for the Fribourg region, indicated that the fire in Kerzers, located roughly 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Bern, could have been caused by an unidentified “voluntary act” on Tuesday evening.
The incident resulted in injuries to five individuals and brought back memories for locals of a tragic New Year’s Eve fire in Crans-Montana, a Swiss ski resort, which resulted in the deaths of 41 youths.
Christa Bielmann of the Fribourg police informed the Swiss broadcaster SRF: “There are circulating reports that someone doused themselves with a flammable liquid on the bus, leading to the blaze. However, this remains under investigation and is yet to be confirmed.”
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “It is both shocking and heartbreaking to witness another fatal fire tragedy in Switzerland. The details are under investigation. My condolences go out to the families affected in Kerzers, and my thoughts are with the injured and the rescue personnel.”
There were no indications that this was a terror attack, Martial Pugin, head of communications for the Fribourg cantonal police, told broadcaster RTS on Wednesday morning.
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.
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