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 the fire may have been deliberately started.

The incident took place at around 6:25pm local time in Kerzers, in the Fribourg canton, around 12 miles west of Berne

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.

“Several people injured and several are dead,” the cantonal police said in a statement. “Emergency services are currently on the scene. The cause is not yet known.”

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.”

More follows on this breaking news story…

• For more: Elrisala website and for social networking, you can follow us on Facebook
• Source of information and images “independent”“