A 59-year-old man suffered severe burns in a garage explosion in Kerzers, FR, while a 29-year-old man was seriously injured after detonating a fridge in a forest near Großschönau. Both incidents prompted evacuations and ongoing investigations.
Explosions in Two Swiss and German Locations Leave Injured and Evacuated
In Kerzers, FR, a man was severely burned after an explosion in a private garage on Friday. The 59-year-old victim received emergency care, including a helicopter evacuation, as 31 residents were temporarily displaced due to safety concerns. The cause of the blast remains under investigation, with authorities ruling out further hazards.
Meanwhile, in Großschönau, a 29-year-old man sustained serious injuries after detonating a refrigerator in a forest on September 2. Local police discovered bloodstains and a damaged appliance at the scene. No property damage was reported, and the suspect was identified through hospital records. The criminal investigation continues.
Evacuations and Emergency Response in Both Incidents
In Kerzers, emergency services evacuated 31 nearby residents as a precaution. Firefighters and specialized teams confirmed the area was safe, allowing residents to return later that day.
In Großschönau, police responded to an explosion reported by local residents. Officers found bloodstains and a partially burned fridge, leading to the identification of the injured man.
In Kerzers, the explosion occurred at 13:40 on Friday in the garage of a single-family home. The 59-year-old man was working alone when the blast happened, according to the Kantonspolizei Freiburg. A community worker nearby provided initial first aid before the Ambulanz Murten and mobile emergency and resuscitation service SMUR took over medical care. The man was then transported by Rega helicopter to a hospital for treatment of severe burns.
In Großschönau, the explosion was reported by residents on September 2 at the Spitzkunnersdorfer Straße in the Landkreis Görlitz. Police spokesperson Anja Leuschner stated that an unknown individual detonated a refrigerator in the forest. Officers found bloodstains and a partially burned fridge at the scene. A 29-year-old man was identified as the injured party through hospital records, though no property damage was reported.
Uncertain Causes and Ongoing Investigations
Authorities in Kerzers have not yet determined the cause of the garage explosion. The fire department and technical experts are examining the site to identify potential risks. Similarly, in Großschönau, investigators are probing the circumstances surrounding the fridge detonation, though no motive has been disclosed.
In Kerzers, the fire department of the Feuerwehrbataillon See-Lac and the Freiburg measurement group conducted a risk assessment, confirming no further dangers. The 31 evacuated residents returned to their homes later that afternoon. The Kantonspolizei Freiburg stated the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
In Großschönau, the local criminal department is conducting the investigation. Police spokesperson Anja Leuschner noted that the incident is being examined for potential criminal activity, though no suspects have been named. The 29-year-old man’s injuries were described as serious, but no updates on his condition were provided.
What Comes Next for the Victims and Communities
The 59-year-old man in Kerzers is receiving medical treatment, with details about his condition remaining undisclosed.
