Six dead in Switzerland: “People ran out of the bus in flames”

Kerzers (Switzerland) – Flames suddenly shot out of a bus on Tuesday evening – just before the terminus. Six people died in the inferno and five others were injured. Police say one of the first responders is among the injured. Investigators are certain: The fire was set intentionally. At a press conference, the responsible Freiburg cantonal police announced the current status of the investigation.

The first emergency calls were received by the police at around 6:25 p.m. According to Philippe Allain, commander of the Friborg cantonal police, witnesses reported: “People ran out of the bus in flames.” The fire brigade and police arrived with a large contingent. According to previous information At least six people were killed. They have not yet been officially identified. Five other people were injured, including a first responder, police said. Investigators assume arson.

Man is said to have set himself on fire on the bus

According to current information, a man is said to have gotten on the bus at around 5:45 p.m. He had himself in the middle of the vehicle Brand set, according to the investigators. According to initial witness statements, the police assume that he acted alone. Attorney General Raphael Bourquin: “There is currently nothing to suggest a terrorist motive.”

The man is said to be a Swiss citizen and lived in the canton of Bern. “It could be a mentally unstable person who was reported missing by his family,” said police commander Allain. The man had already been noticed as “unusual” before the fire. According to current knowledge, he himself is likely to be among the fatalities.

Identification is ongoing – process still unclear

The six fatalities bus accident are expected to be identified on Wednesday. Police chief Nicolas Fürst (48): “The injured and killed bus passengers are between 16 and 63 years old. We are still waiting for the results of the autopsy. What is certain is that accelerant was used. The traces are currently being analyzed.”

State Councilor Philippe Demierre said: “We express our deep sympathy to the affected families.” It is still unclear exactly how the fire spread in the bus and why not all passengers were able to escape. “We have to get the exact one The course of the tragedy remains to be clarified“, explained Allain. Further witnesses are being questioned and recordings from surveillance cameras are being evaluated.

The police are asking for information from witnesses: “We ask anyone who can provide useful information for the investigation, especially those who were at the bus stop in Guin around 5:45 p.m., to contact the police on 026 347 01 17,” said the investigators at the press conference.