Swiss Alps Bus Crash: A holiday journey through the Swiss Alps turned into a major emergency on Thursday after a tourist coach carrying 48 Dutch passengers crashed and overturned on a mountain road in eastern Switzerland. Several people died, and several others suffered injuries in the accident between Susch and Zernez in the Graubunden canton.
The crash triggered a large-scale rescue operation, with police, paramedics, ambulances and helicopters rushing to the remote location. Swiss authorities said the coach collided with a crash barrier before overturning. No other vehicle was believed to have been involved.
Authorities had not immediately released the exact number of people killed or injured. The Dutch travel industry association ANVR said all 48 passengers were Dutch nationals and were travelling with tour operator OAD.
Switzerland Bus Crash: What Happened Near Susch and Zernez?
The accident happened in the Graubünden region of eastern Switzerland, between the Alpine villages of Susch and Zernez.
According to a Swiss police spokesperson, the coach hit the roadside crash barrier and then overturned. No other vehicles were believed to have been involved in the incident.
Images from the crash site showed the large coach lying on its side beside the road, while emergency workers and ambulances surrounded the wreckage.
The location sits in the scenic Engadine Valley, an area known for its mountainous landscape and proximity to the Swiss National Park.
Swiss Alps Bus Crash: 48 Dutch Passengers Were On Board
The coach was carrying 48 passengers, all of whom were Dutch nationals, according to the Dutch travel industry association ANVR.
The bus was operated by Dutch tour company OAD. A spokeswoman for the association said the organisation could not immediately determine how many passengers had died or suffered injuries.
The coach had reportedly left the Netherlands earlier in the week. It was travelling from Austria on a day trip to Switzerland when the crash occurred.
Swiss Alps Bus Crash: Helicopters, Ambulances Join Rescue Operation
The remote Alpine location required a major emergency response.
Police and several emergency services reached the crash site, while helicopters were used during the rescue operation. AP reported that five helicopters were deployed along with several ambulances.
Rescue teams worked around the overturned coach to reach passengers and take injured people for medical treatment.
The crash site was also surrounded by police and other emergency personnel as authorities began securing the area and examining what happened.
Swiss Alps Bus Crash: Swiss President Guy Parmelin Reacts
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed shock following the deadly accident and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
In a post on X, Parmelin said he was “deeply shocked” by the incident and extended his “sincere condolences” to the families of those affected.
He also said there would be a “comprehensive” investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Swiss Alps Bus Crash: Investigation Underway
Swiss authorities are now investigating the circumstances that caused the coach to hit the crash barrier and overturn.
The exact cause of the accident remains unclear. Police have not immediately provided details about road conditions, the driver’s condition or what caused the coach to leave its intended path.
Authorities are also expected to establish the final number of fatalities and injuries as the rescue and identification process continues.
Swiss Alps Bus Crash: Where Did the Switzerland Bus Crash Happen?
The accident happened between Susch and Zernez in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, also known as Grisons.
Zernez serves as an entry point to the Swiss National Park, a large protected Alpine area covering more than 100 square kilometres in the Engadine valley.
The region attracts tourists because of its mountains, forests and scenic roads, making it a popular destination for visitors travelling through the Swiss Alps.
