Several people have died after a coach carrying Dutch tourists overturned on a mountain road in eastern Switzerland, authorities have confirmed. The crash happened in the canton of Graubünden near the villages of Susch and Zernez.
The accident occurred on Thursday along a road running through the Engadine valley. The coach reportedly overturned near the entrance to the Swiss National Park, one of the country’s best-known Alpine areas.
Police confirmed that there were fatalities. However, authorities have not yet released the exact number of people who died. They have also not disclosed the victims’ nationalities or the suspected cause of the crash.
Coach Was Carrying 48 Dutch Tourists
The Dutch Federation of Travel Agencies (ANVR) told AFP that the coach belonged to Dutch tour operator Oad. It was reportedly carrying 48 passengers, all from the Netherlands.
According to the travel industry group, the coach had left the Netherlands on Monday. The passengers were on a day trip to Switzerland from Austria when the accident happened.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear. Police have started an investigation to determine why the coach left the road and overturned.
Meanwhile, emergency teams rushed to the scene after the crash. Swiss television footage showed rescuers working around the overturned vehicle.
Helicopters Join Major Rescue Operation
Images from Swiss broadcasters showed the coach lying on an embankment beside the road. Several emergency vehicles were visible around the crash site.
Helicopters also arrived in the area. They were used to support the emergency response and assist with the rescue operation.
A police spokesman told AFP that authorities would not provide a more detailed casualty figure at this stage. Officials want to ensure that relatives are informed before further details are released.
As a result, several important details remain unknown. These include the exact death toll, the identities of those involved and the severity of the reported injuries.
Crash Near Swiss National Park
The accident happened close to Zernez, a community that serves as an important gateway to the Swiss National Park.
The park covers more than 100 square kilometres in the Engadine region. It attracts visitors throughout the year because of its Alpine scenery and protected wilderness.
The road between Susch and Zernez passes through a mountainous landscape. It is used by both local traffic and visitors travelling through the region.
For now, police have not indicated what caused the coach to overturn. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of the crash.
Authorities are also expected to provide further information once relatives of the victims have been notified.
