FC Zurich fans trigger fire alarms, disrupting two InterCity trains

FC Zurich fans travelling to an away match in Sion triggered fire alarms on two InterCity trains, causing both services to stop in Bern and delays across the rail network, SRF reported.

Swiss Federal Railways said the alarms were activated on the route between Zurich and Bern and on another train at Bern station. The two trains could not continue because of the safety-related incidents.

SBB condemned the behaviour “in the strongest possible terms” and said it would review the incidents with police and the relevant permitting authorities in the coming days.

An SBB spokesperson told the Keystone-SDA news agency that security measures for the fans’ return journey would be adjusted to reflect the situation. There was no information about possible damage at Bern station.

No special train was provided for the Zurich supporters. Since the start of the current season, SBB has generally stopped offering special fan trains outside the regular timetable, citing limited resources, construction work and high costs.

The match at the Stade de Tourbillon in Sion, originally scheduled for Sunday at 8:30 p.m., was brought forward to 6 p.m. The Valais authorities said the change was intended to allow the FC Zurich fans to return home by public transport via Lausanne and Bern on the same day.