A “WONDERFUL” DJ is among six killed – including a teenager – in a Swiss bus fire after a man allegedly doused himself in petrol and set himself alight.

Radio presenter Lara Baumgartner, 26, died when the suspect sparked a blaze that rapidly spread through the vehicle.

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Lara Baumgartner was among those killed during a bus fire in SwitzerlandCredit: Collect
 

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The bus erupted into flames after a man reportedly covered himself in petrol and took out a lighterCredit: X
 

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Victims desperately tried to escape the inferno but the doors remained closedCredit: X
Her employer, Radio Energy, paid tribute following the tragedy.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened,” the station wrote.

“In these difficult hours, our thoughts are with Lara’s family and loved ones.”

Her colleagues also shared emotional messages online: “Lara was a wonderful person and an exceptional colleague.

“Her laughter, her warmth, her subtle humour, and her intelligent, loving nature touched many people.

“She leaves a void that is almost impossible to put into words.”

The tragic chain of events that claimed Lara’s life reportedly left five other people dead and another five injured.

Among those killed were a 16-year-old boy and the 63-year-old Portuguese bus driver.

Authorities said the remaining victims were a 29-year-old man, and two women aged 25 and 29.

All of them were Swiss nationals and residents of the region.

Investigators believe the suspected perpetrator is also among the dead.

According to police, the man was a 65-year-old Swiss citizen who lived in Bern.

His family had reported him missing earlier in the day, shortly before the deadly events unfolded.

Investigators believe he boarded the bus in Düdingen, Fribourg, and acted alone.

The authorities have also identified those who were injured in the incident.

They include two Swiss men aged 34 and 61, and two Swiss women aged 27 and 56.

A 32-year-old man from Kosovo was also injured.

Most have since been discharged from hospital, but two people – the 56-year-old woman and the 34-year-old man – remain under observation as they continue to recover.

Authorities in Kerzers, in Switzerland‘s Fribourg canton, say the deadly blaze broke out around 6.25pm on Tuesday.

Fire services, police and ambulances rushed to the scene as the diesel bus was rapidly swallowed by flames.

Jaw-dropping footage shows the large vehicle completely ablaze, with thick plumes of smoke billowing high into the sky.

By the time firefighters reached the scene, the bus had been reduced to a burnt-out shell.

According to local outlet Blick, three of the five injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, while two others were treated at the scene.

Arbi Berisha – cousin of one of the victims, Faton Morina, 32 – told Blick he received a frantic call from Faton at around 6.30pm telling him to come to the scene as quickly as possible.

Faton suffered injuries to his hands, nose, and legs, said Arbi.

Although he survived the ordeal, Arbi added: “He is currently very traumatized.”

Faton then described how the terrifying incident unfolded.

He said the suspect was sitting directly in front of him on the bus.

After the man set himself on fire, the vehicle came to a stop and Faton tried to get off but the doors were closed.

Moments later, he heard a noise behind him and managed to escape through the rear of the bus.

The Swiss President addressed the shocking incident on social media.

“It distresses and saddens me that once again people in Switzerland have lost their lives in a severe fire,” the President said.

“The circumstances are being investigated.

“To the relatives of the deceased from Kerzers, I extend my condolences.

“And I think of the injured and the rescue workers.”

It remains unclear why so many passengers were unable to escape the burnning bus.

Police are now investigating video footage from inside the vehicle to ascertain whether the doors prevented others from making it out alive.

In the meantime, a specialist care team and hotline, as well as a memorial have been set up for those affected by harrowing episode.

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By the time firefighters arrived on the scene the bus was already a burned out wreckCredit: X
 

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Firefighters install barriers in front of the charred shell of the bus after it caught fireCredit: EPA
 

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Tributes have poured in for those who were killed in the tragic event