Coaching Through Trouble: Why It’s Dangerous in the Alps
A Dutch family tour bus, carrying dozens of travellers, was turning toward the Swiss National Park when it hit a safety barrier and lost control in a icy roadworks zone. The coach slid off the mountain road and knocked over. 5 passengers died on the scene, and around 40 others were rushed to hospitals with injuries ranging from serious to minor.
Swiss police say the victims had not yet been identified, and the crash scene was cleared by the Graubünden cantonal police. Ambulances, fire crews, and the Plaiv road rescue service were on‑site; 7 helicopters from Switzerland and Austria joined the rescue effort in the early hours.
The coach had left the Netherlands on Monday and was part of a day trip from Austria to Switzerland. Following the incident, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed deep sorrow, while King Willem‑Alexander and Queen Máxima shared the nation’s heartbreak. Swiss President Guy Parmelin posted on X that he was “deeply shocked” and offered sincere condolences to the victims’ families.
Investigations are underway by Graubünden’s public prosecutor’s office and police to determine why the coach left the road. In the meantime, authorities urge drivers in Alpine routes to exercise caution, especially during roadworks and adverse weather conditions. The accident underscores the harsh realities of mountainous travel, reminding everyone that safety first is essential when navigating scenic but treacherous roads.
