An Iranian asylum seeker has been shot dead by police in Switzerland after a hostage situation unfolded on a train.
The 32-year-old asylum seeker took 14 passengers and the train’s driver hostage for approximately four hours while wielding an axe and a knife.
The incident began Thursday night as the train was travelling through Baulmes and Yverdon-les-Bains in the mountainous district of Vaud at around 6.35pm.
BREAKING‼️
A 32-year old Iranian asylum seeker has been shot dead by Swiss police after he threatened passengers on a train which he held hostage for 4 hours. He was armed with an axe and knife and tried to attack a police officer who then shot and fatally wounded the Iranian. pic.twitter.com/bscgK9LYWg— Harry Theocharous (@TheocharousH) February 9, 2024
Local news says terrified passengers managed to contact police who shut down the surrounding area and stormed the train at 10:15pm
The suspect who reportedly spoke Farsi and English died at the scene after police used explosives to distract him.
Police spokesman Jean-Christophe Sauterel said, “”As the hostage-taker rushed with his axe in the direction of the intervention group, a police officer used his weapon to protect the hostages, fatally hitting the perpetrator,”
“For the moment, there are no elements which direct us towards a terrorist or extremist act.” he added.
Swiss prosecutor General Eric Kaltenrieder said the situation was “unprecedented” given the number of hostages involved.