Authorities in western Switzerland say a missing man in his 60s from the Berne area caused the fatal bus fire by setting himself alight.
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At least six people died when a passenger bus caught fire Tuesday evening in Kerzers, western Switzerland, according to local authorities. Prosecutors say the blaze was started by a "marginalised and disturbed" Swiss man in his 60s who set himself ablaze while onboard. The man had been reported missing from the Berne area before the incident occurred.
The fire engulfed a vehicle operated by a service that transports both passengers and mail in Fribourg canton. Kerzers is a town of approximately 5,000 people located about 12 miles west of Berne. Police have ruled out terrorist motives in their ongoing investigation.
The incident represents one of the deadliest public transport accidents in Switzerland in recent years. Six confirmed fatalities occurred, though authorities have not yet released details about potential survivors or the total number of people aboard the bus at the time of the fire.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The case highlights concerns about mental health support systems and the identification of at-risk individuals who may pose dangers to themselves and others in public spaces.