Five Dead and Dozens Injured in Coach Crash in Swiss Alps
A Dutch tourist bus crashed into a safety barrier in the Swiss Alps, leaving five people dead and dozens injured on Thursday afternoon.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- A Dutch tourist coach crashed and overturned between Susch and Zernez in Switzerland.
- Five people lost their lives and 40 other passengers sustained injuries.
- Emergency response involved 7 rescue helicopters from Switzerland and Austria.
Five people have died and dozens sustained injuries after a tourist coach crashed in the south-eastern Swiss Alps, according to local police. The Dutch tour bus collided with a safety barrier in a roadworks zone, left the asphalt road, and overturned between Susch and Zernez within the Graubünden region on late Thursday afternoon.
Swiss police reported on Friday that the deceased individuals had not yet been formally identified. Investigators noted that the coach had departed from the Netherlands on Monday and was conducting a day trip into Switzerland originating from Austria when the tragic accident took place.
Authorities stated that the remaining 40 people on board the bus—whose injuries ranged from serious to minor—were evacuated to hospitals by a combination of rescue helicopters and ambulance crews. Seven helicopters from both Switzerland and Austria participated in the large-scale rescue operation, alongside local fire departments and the Plaiv road rescue service.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
"Our hearts went out to everyone affected by this great tragedy."
Following the devastating incident, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed that his thoughts were with everyone involved. Meanwhile, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima released a joint statement sharing their deep sorrow for all those impacted by what they called a great tragedy.
The Graubünden region and the Engadine valley are known for challenging mountainous terrain and winding alpine roads. Cross-border coach travel between Austria and Switzerland often involves navigating narrow construction zones and steep inclines, presenting severe logistical and safety demands for heavy passenger vehicles operating in rapidly changing weather or road conditions.
The Graubünden cantonal police and public prosecutor's office are currently investigating the specific circumstances that led to the crash. Zernez serves as the primary gateway for visitors entering the vast Swiss National Park spanning across the mountainous Engadine valley.
Source: BBC World
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