Multiple dead and several injured as passenger bus bursts into flames

Several people have died and more injured after a passenger bus caught fire in Switzerland.

The blaze broke out at around 6.25pm local time in Kerzers, in Switzerland’s Fribourg canton, police confirmed.

"Several people were injured and several people died," the force said.

"Emergency services are currently responding. The causes are not yet known."

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The BBC report that at least six people have died in the blaze, while five have been left injured.

Despite fire engines, police and ambulances rushing to the scene, the bus had been engulfed by the flame for many minutes and had already been reduced to merely a shell.

The area, has been sealed off by police while they scramble to find the cause of the tragedy.

Emergency services remain at the scene, which is situated around 12 miles west of the capital, Berne, treating victims, the number of which has not yet been confirmed.

A major rescue operation continues to be under way, and local media report a helicopter had been deployed.

Swiss news agency Keystone-SDA report that one person has been airlifted to hospital via the helicopter.

Harrowing footage online shows the bus ablaze, with emergency fire services desperately attempting to contain the fire.

While the cause of the fire remains unknown, reports online speculate a man doused himself in petrol and set himself ablaze while onboard the bus.

Swiss president Guy Parmelin issued a statement on social media, reading: "It distresses and saddens me that once again people in Switzerland have lost their lives in a severe fire.

"The circumstances are being investigated. To the relatives of the deceased from Kerzers, I extend my condolences. And I think of the injured and the rescue workers."

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