A coach carrying Dutch tourists crashed in the eastern part of Switzerland on Thursday, killing several people and injuring several others. The accident occurred at around 4:45 p.m. between the communes of Susch and Zernez in the remote eastern part of the canton of Graubünden, according to local police.
Police said the coach first collided with a roadside safety barrier. The vehicle then overturned and fell down a slope beside the road.
A local police spokesperson told Swiss media that the coach overturned after hitting the safety barrier and fell down the slope. A large-scale rescue operation was launched at the scene, with numerous emergency responders arriving at the site.
Police have not released the exact number of people killed or injured. A police spokesperson said authorities did not want to release more detailed figures until the victims' families had been informed.
According to the Netherlands Federation of Travel Agencies (ANVR), the coach belonged to tour company Oad and was carrying 48 passengers. All of the passengers were residents of the Netherlands.
ANVR said the coach had departed from the Netherlands on Monday. At the time of the accident, the passengers were on a day trip from Austria to Switzerland.
The vehicle had reached Switzerland's Graubünden region during the journey when it crashed between Susch and Zernez.
A large-scale rescue operation was conducted following the accident. Footage broadcast by Swiss media showed numerous emergency responders working around the crashed coach.
Helicopters were also visible around the accident site in the footage.
The available information does not specify how many injured people were taken to hospital or what their condition was. Police have also not released the identities or detailed status of the victims.
Tour company Oad expressed its deep sorrow over the accident. In a statement, the company said it was deeply shocked and affected by the incident.
Oad expressed its condolences to everyone affected by the accident and to their relatives. The company said local authorities were fully engaged in rescue operations and were working to establish the circumstances of the accident and the number of casualties.
The company also said it was working to obtain clear information as quickly as possible and provide all possible assistance to those affected and their families.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin also expressed his condolences following the accident. He extended his sympathies to the victims' families and described the incident as a tragic accident.
Local authorities and rescue agencies are working to assist those affected and gather information related to the circumstances of the accident.
It is not yet clear why the coach crashed. Initial information released by police states that the vehicle collided with a safety barrier before overturning and falling down the slope.
The area where the accident occurred is one of Switzerland's tourism regions. Zernez is known as an entry point for visitors to the Swiss National Park.
The Swiss National Park is a large alpine protected area covering more than 100 square kilometres in the mountainous Engadine Valley. The area is known for its mountainous natural environment and tourism.
Shortly after the accident, police said several people had died and several others had been injured. Authorities have not yet released the exact number of deaths or the identities of those killed.
Police said it was necessary to inform the victims' families first, which is why detailed casualty figures are being withheld for now.
Full details of the circumstances surrounding the accident have also not yet emerged. Further information is expected as the police investigation and rescue operation progress.
Based on the information currently available, the coach collided with a safety barrier before overturning and falling down a slope beside the road. Authorities have not provided details on what caused the vehicle to hit the safety barrier.
Rescue teams continued their work following the accident. Local authorities and the tour company are also working to assist affected passengers and their families.
Further information on the cause of the accident, the condition of the passengers and the final number of casualties is expected as the investigation progresses.
Police have so far exercised caution in releasing sensitive information concerning the victims. Detailed information on those killed and injured is expected to be released after their families have been informed.
