At least 6 people were killed and 5 others injured after a bus caught fire in the town of Kerzers in western Switzerland on March 10. In this incident, police believe it may have been caused by humans.
According to Fribourg state police, the fire occurred on the main street of the town of Kerzers, about 20km west of the capital Bern, at about 6:25 pm on the 10th. 3. Videos circulating on social networks show flames erupting many meters high from the bus window, accompanied by dense black smoke rising into the sky.
Fribourg State Police spokesman Frederic Papaux said the fire killed at least 6 people and injured 5 others, including 3 seriously injured. He said authorities are considering the fire as a human-caused incident, possibly even an intentional act, but has not provided further details.
At the press conference, police did not offer specific hypotheses about the cause, including suicide or terrorist acts. Mr. Frederic Papaux said that there were no other means of transport involved in the incident, only the burning bus and functional agencies are determining the exact cause.
When rescue forces arrived at the scene, many panicked and injured passengers were trying to leave the burning car. Police said they could not accurately determine how many people were on the car at the time of the incident.
Emergency forces quickly arrived at the scene and discovered that the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. Firefighters proceeded to rescue and extinguish the fire, while a security belt was established around the area.
Multiple ambulances and a rescue helicopter were dispatched to the scene. Three injured were taken to the hospital, while two others were medically examined on the spot and did not need to be hospitalized.
The prosecution agency has opened a criminal investigation into the fire. Police also set up a hotline calling on witnesses to provide information to clarify the circumstances of the incident.
The scene of the burnt bus was covered with white tarpaulins along the road, while police cordoned off the area to serve the investigation.
This is the 2nd major fire in Switzerland in less than 3 months. Previously, a bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort caught fire in the early morning of January 1st when many people were celebrating the New Year, killing 41 people and injuring 115 others.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin said he was shocked and saddened by another serious fire in the country, and sent condolences to the families of the victims in Kerzers.
