Five skiers died in the Zermatt region over the weekend; SBB is checking its older trains for traces of hazardous asbestos; and more news in our Monday roundup.
Rescuers found the bodies of five skiers, one avalanche vicim
A helicopter was sent to survey the area near the Rimpfischhorn mountain after climbers alerted authorities about abandoned skis near the summit on Saturday.
“The bodies of five people were quickly found,” Swiss police said in a statement.
Further north, a 29-year-old was killed in an avalanche on the Morgenhorn in canton Bern.
Two other climbers caught in the avalanche were rescued and hospitalised with light injuries. (AFP)
SBB is checking its trains for presence of asbestos
The hazardous material is reportedly found in old trains that are still in service.
Once commonly used in construction, asbestos is very harmful, as inhaling the fibers can cause cancer.
Though this material has been banned in Switzerland in1990, trains built prior to that time continue to run, and are expected to remain in use until the 2030.
They include the EW IV long-distance trains, the DPZ commuter train (S-Bahn), a few Eurocity trains, as well as the Re 420 locomotives.
The SBB is now screening this old rolling stock for asbestos hazards.
It recently put out a tender for this purpose on the federal procurement platform.
“The goal is to conduct a risk assessment with regard to occupational safety, health, and the environment,” the company said.
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Generation Z prefers apartment living to single-family homes
Though many Swiss dream of becoming homeowners (but can’t afford it because of the cost of real estate), a new study shows that most young people prefer apartment living, preferably in the city.
According to a survey carried out by MoneyPark and Helvetia Insurance, only 46 percent of young adults aged 25-30 now aspire to own a home one day, compared to 58 percent in 2024.
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Many Swiss people don’t live up to their reputation for honesty
Though an international survey conducted several years ago found that people in Switzerland are the most honest in the world, they are not living up to this reputation in a newer study.
According to Moneyland consumer platform, the most common form of ‘theft’ in Switzerland is riding on public transportation without a valid ticket: 40 percent of participants admitted to having deliberately done this at least once, and 27 percent have done it twice or more.
Theft in the workplace is the second most widespread form of stealing, with 29 percent of participants admitting to having done it.
And 25 percent admitted to leaving supermarkets without paying for the items — that is, shoplifting.
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