Headlines
At least six people die in bus fire in Switzerland, local police say
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 10, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 11, 2026
Quick Summary
A postal bus caught fire in Kerzers, Fribourg on March 10, 2026, killing at least six and injuring five. Authorities suspect a deliberate act from someone aboard; a criminal investigation is underway.
Six Dead in Suspected Deliberate Bus Fire in Switzerland's Kerzers Town
Details and Investigation of the Kerzers Bus Fire Incident
By Olivia Le Poidevin
Incident Overview
GENEVA, March 10 (Reuters) - At least six people died in a bus fire on Tuesday in a small town in western Switzerland, prompting the police to launch a criminal investigation.
Fribourg city police said the bus became engulfed in flames on a road in Kerzers, a town in the canton of Fribourg, about 20 km (12 miles) from the Swiss capital, Bern.
Suspected Deliberate Act
"At this stage, we have elements suggesting a deliberate act by a person who was inside the bus," said Frederic Papaux, a spokesperson for Fribourg police.
Casualties and Injuries
Three injured people were taken to hospital, the police added.
Passengers were seen escaping from the burning bus, panicked and injured, Papaux said, adding that no other vehicle was involved.
Aftermath and Investigation
Scene After the Fire
Video after the flames were extinguished showed the charred remains of the vehicle.
Unverified Reports and Police Response
When asked about unverified social media reports that an individual on the bus had poured gasoline on themselves, Papaux said he could not confirm whether gasoline was used or how the fire had started.
Official Reactions
Swiss President's Statement
Swiss President Guy Parmelin offered his condolences and said the incident was being investigated.
"It shocks and saddens me that once again people have lost their lives in a serious fire in Switzerland," he said in a statement on X.
Context of Recent Fires in Switzerland
Previous Major Incident
In January, Switzerland was rocked by a fire in a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana that killed 41 people and injured 115.
(Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Editing by Neil Fullick)
Key Takeaways
- •At least six people died and five were injured in the Kerzers bus fire in western Switzerland, with three hospitalised and two treated onsite (english.news.cn)
- •Police suggest the fire may have been deliberately started by a person inside the bus, though details such as use of gasoline remain unconfirmed (news.sky.com)
- •Previous incidents, notably the Crans‑Montana bar fire in January which killed 41, have raised scrutiny on fire safety and prompted broader discussions on prevention and regulation (en.wikipedia.org)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about At least six people die in bus fire in Switzerland, local police say
1Where did the bus fire in Switzerland occur?
The bus fire occurred in Kerzers, a town in the canton of Fribourg, western Switzerland.
2How many people died in the Switzerland bus fire?
At least six people died in the bus fire.
3Are the Swiss police investigating the bus fire?
Yes, Swiss police have launched a criminal investigation and believe it may have been a deliberate act.
4Were there any injured survivors in the Switzerland bus fire?
Yes, three injured people were taken to hospital after the incident.
