A devastating fire on a public bus in western Switzerland has resulted in the deaths of six individuals, with authorities stating early evidence points to a deliberate act by a person onboard. The incident occurred Tuesday evening in the town of Kerzers, located in the canton of Fribourg.
According to police officials, investigators are pursuing reports that an individual on the vehicle doused themselves in a flammable liquid before igniting it. A criminal investigation has been initiated by public prosecutors.
In addition to the fatalities, five people sustained injuries in the blaze. Two of the injured remain in serious condition, while others have been treated and released. The process of identifying the deceased is expected to take several days, and it is not yet confirmed if the suspected individual is among them.
While the act appears intentional, law enforcement officials have stated there is currently no indication of a terrorist motive behind the fire.
Eyewitness accounts describe a rapid and horrifying scene. One local resident reported seeing a small fire inside the stationary bus that erupted into a full-blown inferno within seconds, with flames shooting from the windows and thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Bystanders described hearing explosions, likely from bursting tires, and attempted to assist victims, some of whom were seen on the street in clear distress.
The vehicle involved was a yellow PostBus, a common sight in Switzerland’s rural regions, which provides both passenger transport and mail delivery services. The company’s chief executive expressed profound shock over the tragedy, extending sympathies to all those affected.
Authorities have confirmed the bus was powered by a traditional combustion engine, ruling out early speculation about a potential fault with an electric motor.
The community and nation are in mourning following this event, which comes just months after a separate fatal fire at a Swiss ski resort on New Year’s Eve. Emergency services worked extensively at the scene, and the charred remains of the bus were removed overnight as the investigation continues.
