Swiss authorities have launched a criminal investigation into a devastating bus fire in the town of Kerzers that claimed at least six lives and left five injured. The incident occurred Tuesday evening approximately 25 kilometers west of Bern, with police examining evidence suggesting the blaze may have been intentionally set.
Frédéric Papaux, spokesperson for Fribourg cantonal police, confirmed investigators are exploring whether an unspecified ‘voluntary act’ caused the tragedy. While details remain unconfirmed, circulating information indicates a person may have doused themselves with flammable liquid aboard the vehicle, though officials emphasize this theory remains part of the active investigation.
The regional transport bus, operated by PostBus (affiliated with Switzerland’s national postal service), was completely engulfed in flames according to rescue teams who responded to the emergency. Images from Swiss media depicted fierce flames consuming the vehicle as emergency services battled the blaze.
Three critically injured victims were transported to hospitals via ambulance and helicopter teams, while two others received on-site medical treatment. Police cautioned that victim identification could require several days due to the severity of the fire damage.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed profound sorrow, stating on social media: ‘It shocks and saddens me that once again people have lost their lives in a serious fire in Switzerland.’ His sentiments were echoed by PostBus, which issued a statement expressing deep movement and sympathy for victims and their families.
Martial Pugin, head of communications for Fribourg police, clarified Wednesday morning that no indications pointed toward terrorism as a motive. The burned vehicle was removed overnight, with normal traffic resuming by Wednesday morning.
The Kerzers incident evoked painful memories of Switzerland’s New Year’s Eve fire in Crans-Montana that killed 41 young people, though authorities have not established any connection between the two tragedies.