A shocking tragedy in Switzerland has shaken the Albanian community across Europe after a deadly bus fire claimed the lives of at least six people and injured several others. Among the survivors is a Kosovo Albanian who managed to escape the burning vehicle in the final moments before the flames completely engulfed it.
The dramatic incident occurred in the town of Kerzers, located in the canton of Fribourg, western Switzerland, approximately 20 kilometers from the capital Bern. According to authorities, the regional transport bus suddenly caught fire, causing panic among passengers and forcing many to escape under extreme conditions.
Albanian Survivor Escapes Moments Before Disaster
One of the passengers was Faton Berisha, an Albanian from Kosovo, who miraculously survived the tragedy despite suffering burns and smoke inhalation. Reports from Swiss media cited by Albanian outlets indicate that Berisha was seated near the middle of the bus when the terrifying incident began.
According to testimonies shared by his relatives, the situation escalated extremely quickly.
Within five to six seconds, the bus reportedly filled with thick smoke, making it nearly impossible for passengers to see or breathe.
Witness accounts say panic spread rapidly as passengers tried desperately to escape. At first, the bus doors reportedly did not open immediately, forcing Berisha and others to attempt to push them open while flames and smoke spread through the vehicle.
Despite suffering burns on his hands, legs and nose while trying to get out, Berisha eventually managed to exit the bus alive. He later received medical treatment for his injuries and smoke inhalation.
Suspected Deliberate Act Under Investigation
Authorities in Switzerland are currently investigating the cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest the blaze may have been triggered by a passenger who allegedly poured gasoline on himself and set himself on fire inside the bus.
Police officials from the Fribourg region have stated that the incident appears to involve a deliberate act, though investigators are still working to determine the exact circumstances and whether other factors contributed to the tragedy.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the fire began, but by the time firefighters arrived, the bus was already engulfed in flames. Several passengers were hospitalized with serious injuries while others were treated on site.
Trauma and Shock After the Tragedy
While Berisha survived physically, his family says he remains deeply traumatized by the experience. According to relatives, the psychological impact of witnessing the fire and the chaos inside the bus has left him struggling to sleep and cope with the shock of the event.
The tragedy has also deeply affected the Albanian diaspora in Switzerland, where thousands of Kosovars and Albanians live and work. News of the survivor quickly spread across Albanian media and social networks, sparking messages of support and solidarity.
A Tragedy That Shocked Switzerland
The burned remains of the bus and the scale of the tragedy have shocked Switzerland, prompting condolences from officials and renewed discussions about safety and emergency response in public transport.
As investigators continue examining the cause of the fire, the story of the Kosovo Albanian survivor stands as a powerful reminder of how quickly ordinary moments can turn into life-threatening situations—and how survival can depend on just a few seconds.