At least five people have died and 40 others were injured after a Dutch tour bus crashed in a remote Alpine area of eastern Switzerland on Friday.
The bus was carrying 48 passengers, all Dutch nationals, when it hit a safety barrier, overturned and went down an embankment near the village of Susch, between Susch and Zernez in the canton of Graubünden.
Police said three injured people are in serious condition, while seven have moderately serious injuries and 30 suffered minor injuries. Seven rescue helicopters and 13 ambulance crews were deployed to evacuate those affected.
Zernez serves as the entry point to the Swiss National Park, located across the mountainous Engadine valley.
The General Dutch Association of Travel Companies, speaking for tour operator OAD, confirmed that all passengers were Dutch nationals. OAD said it was “deeply shocked and devastated by the tragic bus accident” and that its thoughts were with those involved and their loved ones.
The Dutch Foreign Ministry has taken note of the incident. Swiss President Guy Parmelin said authorities would conduct a “comprehensive and thorough investigation” into the accident.
