A postal bus caught fire on Tuesday night in the center of Chiètres, killing at least six people and injuring several others, including a rescuer, cantonal police said.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of victims and are investigating the possibility that the fire was started deliberately. Police have opened a criminal investigation and appealed to the public to avoid the area of the incident, albinfo.ch reports.
The incident occurred at around 18:25 on Murtenstrasse, the city's main street. A major rescue operation was activated, involving 9 ambulances, firefighters from Chiètres and Morat, and a Rega helicopter. Three of the injured are in serious condition and one has been transported by helicopter to hospital.
Police have set up a hotline for victims, families and potential witnesses: 0800 261 700. Investigations are continuing to determine the exact cause of the fire and to find out if there was deliberate action behind the incident.
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