Five dead, dozens injured in fatal Dutch coach crash in Swiss Alps

What happened?

A tourist coach carrying a Dutch tour party crashed in the south-eastern Swiss Alps on Thursday afternoon, resulting in five deaths and 40 injuries. The incident occurred in the mountainous Graubünden region, specifically between the villages of Susch and Zernez. According to police reports, the bus initially hit a safety barrier within a roadworks area before veering off the road and overturning.

Who was on board and who responded?

The bus was operated by the Dutch travel agency Oad and had departed the Netherlands on Monday, en route for a day trip to Switzerland from Austria. While a spokeswoman for the General Dutch Association of Travel Companies, representing Oad, stated there were 48 Dutch nationals on board, Swiss police confirmed a total of 45 people were involved in the crash. Five of these passengers died at the scene, and 40 others sustained injuries.

Among the injured, three are in serious condition, seven suffered moderately serious injuries, and 30 had minor injuries. Rescue efforts were immediate and extensive, involving seven helicopters and 13 ambulance crews who transported the injured to various hospitals. The identities of the deceased have not yet been publicly identified.

Reactions and investigation

The tragedy quickly drew reactions from both Dutch and Swiss authorities. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten conveyed his thoughts to everyone involved, and King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima expressed that their "hearts went out to everyone affected by this great tragedy." Swiss President Guy Parmelin, writing on X, stated he was "deeply shocked" and offered his "sincere condolences" to the victims' families. He also pledged that Swiss authorities would ensure a "comprehensive and thorough investigation" into the crash. The tour operator, Oad, released a statement saying it was "deeply shocked and devastated by the tragic bus accident," extending its sympathies to those affected.

Police and prosecutors have launched a joint investigation to establish the exact sequence of events and the precise cause of the accident. There is no indication at this stage that any other vehicles were involved. The crash site itself, near Susch, is part of a remote Alpine region and serves as an entry point for the Swiss National Park, a vast natural reserve.