FRIBOURG — A blaze on a bus in the Swiss canton of Fribourg that killed six people may have been started by a “disturbed” man who set himself on fire, a public prosecutor said Wednesday.
Investigators believe the suspect deliberately ignited himself while on the bus, triggering a fire that quickly spread inside the vehicle. The blaze caused panic among passengers and resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries before emergency responders arrived.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the man is suspected to have been suffering from severe mental distress. Authorities are still examining the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and have not yet released the identities of the victims.
Emergency services responded rapidly to the scene, extinguishing the flames and evacuating survivors. Several passengers were also taken to nearby hospitals with burns and smoke inhalation.
Police in Switzerland have opened a full investigation into the tragedy, with forensic teams analyzing evidence from the bus and interviewing witnesses. Officials said there is currently no indication of a broader threat to the public.
