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Swiss police are investigating whether the fire was started deliberately
Alex Croft Tuesday 10 March 2026 23:35 GMT- Bookmark
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At least six people were killed and five injured when a bus erupted into flames in Switzerland on Tuesday, police have told Swiss media.
The bus was “completely engulfed in flames” shortly before its final stop at around 6.25pm, around 12 miles west of Bern.
Police have opened an investigation into whether the fire was started deliberately following reports in local media that a person doused themselves in gasoline onboard.
The bus was travelling from Düdingen to Kerzers, in the Fribourg canton when it caught fire.
Footage of the scene shows a huge inferno tearing through a yellow bus, leaving just a charred shell of the vehicle after the fire had been put out.
open image in galleryThe bus was left as a charred shell after the huge fire in Kerzers, in the Fribourg Canton of Switzerland (Fribourg Cantonal Police)Police said in a press conference that there were six deaths and five injuries, according to Swiss media.
“Late in the day, a fire on a postal bus resulted in several deaths and injuries. Arson is suspected,” cantonal police said in a statement posted online.
“Several people injured and several are dead. Emergency services are currently on the scene. The cause is not yet known,” they added. The victims have not yet been identified.
Swiss outlet Blick reports that police received information that a person doused themselves with gasoline on the bus.
open image in galleryFire investigators examine the postal bus that caught fire (AP)"We have information that a person was the cause of the fire. However, we cannot confirm this," the spokesperson said, adding that it is unclear whether there is any danger to the public.
"The intervention will certainly continue throughout the night.”
Medics, including several ambulances and a helicopter, transported three injured people to hospital, police said.
open image in galleryThe incident took place in Kerzers, 12 kilometres from Bern (AP)Two other victims were examined at the scene and were not hospitalised.
Police added: “The fire may have been deliberately set. An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of this tragedy.
“Rescue and security operations are continuing. A criminal investigation has been opened by the Public Prosecutor's Office, which is leading the inquiry.”
In a post on X, Swiss President Guy Parmelin said he was “shocked and saddened” by the incident.
"I express my condolences to the families of the deceased in Kerzers. And my thoughts are with the injured and the rescue workers."
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