The blaze in a Postbus in a Swiss community of Kerzers, in the canton of Fribourg, which killed six people and injured four others, was started by a man police described as ‘disturbed.’ Now more information has emerged about him.
According to reports, the man, 65, identified only as Peter M., was a recluse living in a camping car near a farm in canton Bern.
His stay there was originally intended to last only one winter, but he remained there for several years.
According to the owner, his health was deteriorating rapidly.
He reportedly failed to pay the site fees, so his lease was terminated in January. He was supposed to vacate the premises at the end of March.
Addiction problems
He was also apparently struggling with addiction problems.
Just before he set himself on fire, he spent some time in a hospital in Bern for undisclosed condition, but has disappeared from the premises shortly before the tragedy.
The hospital reported him missing, prompting the police to issue a missing person alert.
Police patrols searched the area and also checked his camper, but in vain.
Unconventional life
Over the past two decades, Peter M. had been registered at several addresses in the Bernese Seeland region, sometimes for only short periods.
His last official address was with the social services in Aarberg.
However, there was no indication that he had been a danger himself or others, according to social services.
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Unclear motives
The reason why the man committed this act are not yet clear.
The Fribourg Public Prosecutor’s Office is continuing its investigation into the exact circumstances of the tragedy.
