A train hostage situation in western Switzerland concluded on Thursday night with the suspect being killed in a police operation, and all hostages were safely released, according to authorities.
The identity of the hostage-taker had not been officially confirmed, and investigations were underway. The suspect was shot and killed by a police officer after allegedly rushing at the officer with the axe.
A total of 15 hostages, including 14 passengers and the conductor, were taken during the ordeal that lasted nearly four hours, from around 6:35 pm to 10:30 pm (1735 GMT to 2130 GMT). The train, halted near Yverdon, had its conductor forced to join the passengers by the suspect, who was then reported to the police by the passengers.
Negotiations with the suspect occurred partially through WhatsApp, aided by a translator fluent in Farsi, the predominant language in Iran.
Authorities made the decision to storm the train, executing a maneuver to keep the suspect away from the hostages, as outlined by Sauterel.