At least six dead after bus bursts into flames in Switzerland
At least six people have been killed and five injured after a bus erupted in a massive blaze in Switzerland, according to Swiss media.
The bus was “completely engulfed in flames” when emergency services arrived, police said in a statement, adding that they suspect it may be an act of deliberate arson.
The incident took place at around 6:25pm local time in Kerzers, in the Fribourg canton, around 12 miles west of Bern.
Police said in a press conference that there were six deaths and five injuries, according to Swiss media. In a press release, police said the number of dead is not yet confirmed.
“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.
“Several people injured and several are dead,” they added. “Emergency services are currently on the scene. The cause is not yet known.”
Police have received information that a person doused themselves with gasoline on the bus, according to Blick.
“However, we cannot confirm this,” the spokesperson said, adding that it is unclear whether there is any danger to the public.
Footage of the scene shows a yellow bus engulfed in a huge inferno, leaving just a charred shell of the vehicle once it had been tackled by firefighters.
Medics, including several ambulances and a helicopter, transported three injured people to hospital, police said.
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.”
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