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Fatal blaze engulfs bus in Swiss town
At least six people died and several others were injured when a passenger bus caught fire in the centre of Kerzers, a town in western Switzerland, on Tuesday evening.
Timeline and casualties
The fire broke out at 18:25 local time (19:25 GMT). Police confirmed that three survivors were rushed to hospital, and local reports indicated a rescuer also suffered injuries during the response.
Investigation launched
Authorities have not determined the cause of the fire but are examining whether it was started intentionally. Unverified reports suggested a person may have poured gasoline on themselves, though officials said they could not confirm this detail.
Local media shared video footage showing the bus fully engulfed in flames, while a resident described seeing a thick column of black smoke rising above the town.
Bus route and location
The bus had reportedly departed from Düdingen, a municipality 17 km south of Kerzers, before the incident occurred in the town centre. Kerzers, known in French as Chiètres, lies in Fribourg canton, approximately 20 km from the Swiss capital, Bern.
Swiss leaders react
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy in a post on X, stating, "It shocks and saddens me that people have lost their lives in a serious fire in Switzerland."
The incident follows a devastating fire at a Swiss ski resort on New Year's Eve, which claimed 41 lives.
Next steps
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence at the scene, and authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation while the probe is underway.
