A serious tour bus accident in eastern Switzerland has left several people dead and others injured after a coach carrying Dutch passengers overturned, authorities said.
The crash happened Thursday, September 10, between the Alpine villages of Susch and Zernez in the canton of Graubuenden. Emergency services, including ambulances and helicopters, were dispatched to the scene as rescue operations got underway.
Swiss police confirmed that several people died in the accident but did not immediately release the exact number of fatalities or injuries.
Bus Hit Crash Barrier Before Overturning
According to police, the tour bus struck a roadside crash barrier before overturning. Authorities said there was no indication that another vehicle was involved in the incident.
The circumstances that caused the driver to lose control of the coach remain under investigation. Officials had not immediately provided details about road conditions, the driver’s condition or the speed of the vehicle.
The accident occurred in a mountainous region of eastern Switzerland, an area known for winding Alpine roads and steep terrain.
48 People Reportedly on Board
Swiss media reported that 48 people were traveling on the bus when the crash occurred. A spokesperson for the Dutch travel industry association ANVR told Swiss newspaper Blick that the passengers were Dutch nationals.
The number of people killed or injured was still being established as emergency crews worked at the scene.
Several ambulances were sent to the crash site, while five helicopters were reportedly used as part of the emergency response. The deployment reflected the scale and seriousness of the accident in the mountainous area.
Investigation Underway
Swiss authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including how the bus struck the barrier and subsequently overturned.
Investigators will likely examine the vehicle, road conditions and other factors as they work to determine what led to the deadly accident.
Officials had not yet released the identities of those killed or injured. Further information is expected as authorities notify relatives and complete their initial investigation.
The crash has drawn attention in the Netherlands because the passengers were reportedly part of a Dutch tour group traveling through Switzerland.