The Bern cantonal police announced today that the man who set himself on fire on the PostBus had previously been in hospital in canton Bern.
Further details about the hospital were not disclosed. “The man was in hospital voluntarily due to a medical problem. It was therefore a physical and not a psychological problem,” the cantonal police clarified.
Tages Anzeiger examined the question of how the bus was able to burn so quickly. “Although a bus is covered with flame-retardant material, this would only help in the case of a small fire,” materials expert Sabyasachi Gaan explained in an interview. However, it is not only the flames that are deadly, but also the toxic smoke that passengers inhale.
The CH Media newspapers also addressed the issue of safety and escape routes on public transport. David Bürge, fire brigade commander in Aarau, refers to the “flight reflex”. This often does not occur immediately, but only when the first person reacts and a chain reaction begins among those at risk. “What’s more, people always want to get out where they came in,” which is why the emergency hammers are often not used to smash the windows – even if the exit is blocked.
It is less than three months since Switzerland experienced its last major fire disaster. Guy Parmelin, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, visited Kerzers yesterday to commemorate the victims. “Once again we have to experience such a sad moment,” Parmelin said in a statement to the media on the sidelines of the event.