Six killed after bus catches fire in western Switzerland video

At least six people have been killed and several others injured after a bus caught fire in a town in western Switzerland, police said.

According to foreign media, the incident occurred at around 18:25 local time on Tuesday, March 10, in the centre of Kerzers, a municipality in Fribourg canton located about 20 kilometres from the Swiss capital, Bern. The town is also known by its French name, Chiètres.

According to police, at least six people died in the fire, and several others were injured. At least three of the injured were taken to the hospital for treatment. Reports also indicated that one of the rescuers involved in the response operation was hurt.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Authorities have launched an investigation and are examining the possibility that the blaze may have been deliberately started.

There have been unconfirmed reports suggesting that a person may have doused themselves in gasoline before the fire broke out. However, authorities said they could not immediately verify those claims.

Video footage published by local media showed the bus engulfed in flames, while a resident of the area described seeing a thick column of smoke rising from the scene.

According to reports, the bus had travelled from the municipality of Düdingen, located about 17 kilometres south of Kerzers.

Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

By Tamilla Hasanova