Serious coach crash in canton of Graubünden claims multiple dead and injured

Deployment of rescue services in the Alps

The accident site is on the edge of the Swiss National Park, not far from the municipality of Zernez. The narrow cantonal road through the Engadin is popular with travellers, as it provides a scenic connection to the Vinschgau in South Tyrol. Due to the accident, the road section between Susch and Zernez GR was completely closed; through traffic was diverted.

Several ambulances, Rega Swiss Air-Rescue helicopters, and fire service vehicles from the region were at the deployment site. Emergency chaplains looked after relatives and first responders. For the coordination of medical care, a collection point was set up in a nearby building, where those with minor injuries were cared for and those with serious injuries were prepared for onward transport to surrounding hospitals.

Support for relatives from the Netherlands

Representatives of the Dutch travel industry association ANVR travelled to Switzerland at the weekend to support the relatives of the bus occupants. The association stated that it was in close contact with the Swiss authorities and the tour operators to provide affected families with information and assistance. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs also became involved and set up a hotline for concerned relatives.

The Swiss Accident Investigation Authority (SUST) began investigations into the cause of the accident overnight. Initial indications of a technical defect, a medical emergency affecting the driver, or weather-related causes are being examined. An expert secured traces on the bus and on the road; in addition, the vehicle's driving data was read out.

Investigation into the cause of the accident is underway

The municipality of Susch and the neighboring municipality of Zernez made rooms available in their school buildings and multi-purpose halls for the accommodation of survivors and relatives. The local population responded with a broad wave of solidarity: residents brought blankets, drinks, and food to the collection points, and helpers spontaneously organized translations for the Dutch-speaking those affected.

The incident evokes memories of earlier serious coach accidents in Switzerland, in some of which foreign tour groups were affected. Transport experts pointed out that the narrow road conditions in alpine regions place particular demands on drivers and vehicles when it comes to coaches. A final assessment of the safety situation would only be possible once the investigation report was available.

The Swiss federal authorities announced that they would support the affected families in the repatriation of the deceased and in the medical and psychological care of the survivors. The responsible Dutch consulates are also involved. The clean-up work at the accident site continued the following day; completion of the recovery operations was not expected until later in the day.