In brief
A Dutch tour coach collided with a safety barrier in the Graubünden region of the Swiss Alps, causing the vehicle to overturn between Susch and Zernez. Five people died while more than forty passengers suffered injuries ranging from serious to minor. Swiss, Austrian, and Czech rescue teams used seven helicopters and ground fire services in the operation. Police have not yet identified the victims, and investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. The incident prompted condolences from Dutch and Swiss officials and highlighted the risks of tourist travel in mountainous terrain.
Coach crash kills five in Swiss Alps
\Five people have died and more than thirty injured after a Dutch tour bus collided with a safety barrier in a road‑works area and overturned between Susch and Zernez in the Graubünden region.
\The coach left the Netherlands on Monday and was touring Switzerland from Austria when the incident occurred late on Thursday afternoon. Police say the vehicle left the road and later turned over. No passenger identities have been released yet.
\In total, about forty people were on board. Their injuries ranged from serious to minor, and they were moved to hospitals by rescue helicopters and ambulance crews. Swiss, Austrian, and Czech helicopters participated in the evacuation and search effort.
\The crash occurred near Zernez, the gateway to the Swiss National Park, which covers more than 100 square kilometres of the Engadine valley.
\Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed sympathy, while King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima sent condolences for “the tragedy.” Swiss President Guy Parmelin posted on X that he was “deeply shocked” and offered sincere condolences to the victims’ families.
\Investigations are ongoing. Graubünden police and the public prosecutor's office are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash, including any road‑works related factors.
\ \The coach’s ordeal has prompted a review of tourist safety protocols in alpine regions and raised questions about the adequacy of current road‑works safety measures.
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