Bus Fire in Switzerland Kills Six, Police Investigate Possible Intentional Act
Kerzers, Switzerland – A bus fire in the Swiss town of Kerzers has left at least six people dead and five injured, prompting an investigation into whether the blaze was deliberately set. The incident, which occurred Tuesday evening, has shaken the small community west of Bern and evoked painful memories of a past tragedy in the Swiss Alps.
Frédéric Papaux, a spokesperson for the Fribourg region, stated that authorities are examining the possibility of a “voluntary act” as the cause of the fire. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, police are investigating reports that someone on board may have doused themselves with a flammable liquid, though this has not yet been confirmed.
“There are circulating reports… However, this remains under investigation and is yet to be confirmed,” Christa Bielmann of the Fribourg police told Swiss broadcaster SRF.
The bus, operated by PostBus – affiliated with the national postal service – was completely engulfed in flames when rescue teams arrived. Images from Swiss media showed the vehicle consumed by fire. Three people with severe injuries were transported to hospitals by ambulance and helicopter, while two others received treatment at the scene.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed his condolences 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.”
Authorities have indicated that the incident is not currently being treated as a terrorist attack, according to Martial Pugin, head of communications for the Fribourg cantonal police.
The tragedy has brought back difficult memories for many in Switzerland, recalling a devastating New Year’s Eve fire in Crans-Montana in 1973, which claimed the lives of 41 young people.
Police anticipate that identifying the victims of the Kerzers fire may take several days. The burned-out vehicle was removed overnight, and traffic has returned to normal.
PostBus released a statement expressing their deep sorrow, saying, “Our thoughts are with the victims, the injured, and all their families.”
The investigation is ongoing.
(Associated Press contributed to this report.)
