Five nationals killed, dozens wounded in Swiss Alps coach crash
A Dutch tourist coach has crashed in the southeastern Swiss Alps, leaving five people dead and at least 40 injured.
The bus hit a safety barrier near roadworks, left the narrow lane and overturned between the villages of Susch and Zernez in the Graubünden region late on Friday afternoon. Swiss police say the victims’ identities are still unknown.
The 41‑member bus had departed the Netherlands on Monday and was touring Switzerland from Austria before the accident. Rescuers arrived within minutes, using helicopters and ambulances to ferry the wounded to hospitals in the surrounding valleys.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten of the Netherlands expressed his thoughts, while King Willem‑Alexander and Queen Máxima offered heartfelt condolences. Swiss President Guy Parmelin posted on X, saying he was “deeply shocked” and extending his sincere sympathies to the families.
Graubünden police report that three passengers suffered serious injuries. Seven helicopters helicopters—six from Switzerland and one from Austria—were deployed, alongside fire crews and the Plaiv road rescue service.
Investigations are underway to determine how the bus lost control. Meanwhile, Zernez serves as the main access point for the Swiss National Park, a 100‑square‑kilometre alpine reserve.
