Swiss Alps coach crash kills five, leaves dozens injured

Fri Sep 11 2026 17:36:20 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A tourist coach hit a safety barrier between Susch and Zernez, overturning and claiming five lives while injuring around 40 passengers.

In the early hours of Thursday 10 September, a Dutch‑run coach plunged into a mountainside after hitting a safety barrier in a roadworks zone in the Graubünden canton. Five passengers died and approximately 40 others were taken to hospitals, ranging from serious to minor injuries. Rescue teams, including seven helicopters from Switzerland and Austria, combed the scene for survivors. Swiss authorities are probing the circumstances, while Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed condolences. The crash occurs near the Swiss National Park, a key entrance point for the Engadine valley.

Swiss Alps coach crash kills five, leaves dozens injured

In the early hours of Thursday 10 September, a Dutch‑run tourist coach hit a safety barrier in a roadworks zone and left the road between Susch and Zernez in the Graubünden canton. The vehicle flipped onto its side, and Swiss police released a photo of the overturned coach lying next to a narrow valley road.

Swiss authorities say five passengers died and approximately 40 others were injured, ranging from serious to minor wounds. All injured riders were transported to hospitals by helicopters and ambulance crews for treatment.

Seven helicopters from both Switzerland and Austria, along with fire services and the Plaiv road rescue service, were deployed to the scene. Police and the public prosecutor’s office are investigating the circumstances that led to the crash.

The incident occurred as the coach was on a day‑trip from Austria to Switzerland, having departed from the Netherlands on Monday. The crash took place near Zernez, the key entry point to the Swiss National Park—a vast Alpine reserve spanning more than 100 sq km.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and King Willem‑Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands sent their thoughts to all involved. Swiss President Guy Parmelin posted on X that he was “deeply shocked” by the tragedy and expressed his sincere condolences to the victims’ families.

Emergency responders at the scene of an accident involving a travel coach in Susch in the canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 10 September 2026. — The coach was carrying dozens of Dutch nationals.

Officials confirmed that three people were seriously injured in the incident, while the remaining 40 passengers suffered injuries ranging from mild to moderate. Investigators are working to determine whether the roadworks or vehicle dynamics contributed to the accident.

Authorities have called the crash a “great tragedy” and are urging people to remain vigilant on mountainous routes, particularly where temporary roadworks impact traffic flow.