At least six people have died and several others were injured after a bus caught fire in the centre of Kerzers (Chiètres) in Fribourg Canton, western Switzerland, police said. The incident occurred around 18:25 local time on Tuesday, about 20km from the capital Bern. Emergency services rushed to the scene as the vehicle was engulfed in flames, leaving it completely burned out.
Authorities confirmed that at least three people were taken to hospital and reports indicated that a rescuer was also injured during the response. Videos shared by local media showed the bus ablaze with a thick column of smoke rising above the town. The bus had reportedly been travelling from Düdingen, a municipality located about 17km south of Kerzers.
Police said the cause of the fire is still unknown and an investigation is underway, including whether the blaze may have been deliberately started. Reports suggested a person may have doused themselves with gasoline, but officials said they could not immediately confirm this information. Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, offering condolences to the victims and their families.
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