The coach was carrying 45 Dutch tourists who had departed the Netherlands on Monday. According to Dutch media, the group was on a day trip to Switzerland from Austria when the accident occurred. Dutch travel association ANVR confirmed the victims were customers of Dutch tour operator OAD. While De Telegraaf reported that 48 people were aboard, Swiss police confirmed 45 individuals on the bus, with 40 survivors transported to hospitals.
The crash site is located in a roadworks area where the bus hit a safety barrier, veered off the road, and came to rest on its side. Seven rescue helicopters and 13 ambulance crews participated in the emergency response, transporting casualties to medical facilities. The identities of the five deceased have not yet been released by authorities.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed his shock and dismay in a social media post, offering sincere condolences to the families of the victims. He stated that relevant Swiss authorities would ensure a comprehensive investigation to establish all circumstances surrounding the accident. Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima also issued a statement, saying their hearts went out to the bereaved and the injured in this “great tragedy.” Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten added that his thoughts were with everyone involved.
The Graubünden public prosecutor’s office and cantonal police are currently investigating the cause of the crash. No details have been released regarding the specific factors that led to the vehicle leaving the road. The area near Zernez is known as an entry point to the Swiss National Park, but the crash occurred on the connecting road between Susch and Zernez. Authorities have not yet provided a timeline for the completion of the investigation.
