Switzerland Bus Fire: Radio Host Lara Baumgartner Among Six Dead
A fire on a Postauto bus in the Swiss town of Kerzers on Tuesday evening, , resulted in the deaths of six people. Among the victims is Lara Baumgartner, 26, a presenter with Radio Energy Bern.
According to reports, a man boarded the bus in Düdingen carrying several bags at approximately . He travelled on the bus for around 40 minutes before the incident occurred. In Kerzers, the man reportedly set fire to his clothing, quickly turning the vehicle into a burning trap.
Official identification of the victims is ongoing. While the identity of the other five fatalities remains unknown, authorities believe the perpetrator is among them. Police in the canton of Fribourg report that the suspect was approximately 60 years old and had been reported missing by his family.
Radio Energy Bern expressed profound shock and grief. An internal statement, shared with staff, conveyed the station’s sorrow and extended thoughts to Baumgartner’s family and loved ones. “Lara was a wonderful person and an exceptional colleague,” the Energy Bern team wrote on Facebook and Instagram. “Her laughter, warmth, gentle humour and wise, loving nature touched many. She leaves a void that is tricky to put into words.”
Colleagues described Baumgartner as someone passionate about people, strong emotions, and performance. “She was particularly interested in psychology, given that there is no black and white vision there, but many shades of grey,” the station stated. She had taken singing lessons for many years, which, according to those who knew her, contributed to her expressive nature.
The tragedy has sent ripples of grief through the Swiss media landscape. Baumgartner was a familiar voice to listeners of Radio Energy Bern, presenting mid-morning and weekend shows. The station described her as someone who “didn’t do things by halves” when it came to expression.
The incident occurred on a Postauto bus travelling from Düdingen towards Kerzers. The bus was scheduled to stop next at the Kerzers railway station, a key transport hub for connections to Bern. Baumgartner had boarded the bus just two stops before the fire erupted, adding to the sense of sudden and devastating loss.
The investigation into the cause of the fire and the motive behind the act is underway. Fribourg police are leading the inquiry, working to piece together the events that led to this tragedy and to formally identify all of the victims. The scale of the loss – six lives extinguished in a matter of minutes – has deeply affected the local community and beyond.
The Postauto, a ubiquitous presence in Switzerland’s public transport network, particularly in rural areas, is known for its reliability and safety. This incident represents a rare and shocking breach of that reputation. The company has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and pledged full cooperation with the authorities.
The loss of Lara Baumgartner, a young and promising broadcaster, is particularly poignant. Her colleagues remember her not only for her professional skills but also for her genuine warmth and engaging personality. The void she leaves at Radio Energy Bern will be keenly felt by those who worked alongside her and by the many listeners who enjoyed her broadcasts.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the fire and the identity of the perpetrator. The focus now is on supporting the families of the victims and ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated. The small town of Kerzers, and the wider Swiss public, are grappling with the shock and sorrow of this devastating event.