WEB DESK: A devastating coach crash in the Swiss Alps has resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries, authorities report. The incident occurred late Thursday afternoon in the Graubünden region, when a tourist bus from the Netherlands collided with a safety barrier amid ongoing roadworks, veered off the roadway, and overturned between Susch and Zernez.
Swiss law enforcement officials stated on Friday that the identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed. Emergency services responded swiftly, with 40 passengers taken to hospitals via rescue helicopters and ambulances. The injuries varied from minor to critical.
The bus was on a day trip from Austria to Switzerland, having departed from the Netherlands on Monday. The crash has drawn international concern, with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressing sympathies for those affected, and King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima extending their condolences to the victims’ families.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin shared his grief on social media, describing himself as “deeply shocked” and offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Authorities in Graubünden confirmed that three individuals sustained serious injuries. Rescue operations involved seven helicopters from both Switzerland and Austria, along with fire services and specialized road rescue units. An investigation has been launched by the cantonal police and public prosecutor’s office to determine the cause of the accident.
Zernez, the gateway to the Swiss National Park, is a popular destination within the Engadine valley, a renowned Alpine area covering over 100 square kilometers. The tragic event has cast a shadow over this scenic region, prompting a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
