Five killed in Susch bus crash as leaders react

Five people died and all other passengers were injured, three of them seriously, when a Dutch tour bus crashed on a road in the Lower Engadine, SRF reported. The bus was carrying 45 adults.

The crash has prompted expressions of shock and condolences from Swiss and Dutch politicians, as well as the Dutch royal household. The crash site has been cleared and the road reopened.

The government of Graubünden said it was deeply affected by the accident and that its thoughts were with the victims and their families. It wished the injured a speedy recovery and thanked emergency services and other helpers.

In the afternoon, the Graubünden government planned to observe a minute of silence in the village of Soglio during a meeting with Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis.

The municipality of Zernez, which includes the village of Susch, had not yet issued an official statement. National Council President Pierre-André Page and Graubünden Council of States President Stefan Engler expressed their shock on X, offering condolences to the victims’ families and wishing the injured strength and a speedy recovery. They also thanked the emergency services and everyone helping at the scene.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin wrote on X that he was “deeply shocked and distressed” by the tragic accident. He offered his condolences to the families and thanked the many emergency workers involved. Parmelin said the responsible Swiss authorities would ensure a comprehensive and thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

Dutch Ambassador to Switzerland arrived at the scene in the morning, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said before a cabinet meeting, according to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. Berendsen said the Netherlands was in close contact with local authorities but provided no further information about the identities of the five people who died, the cause of the crash or when the first passengers would return to the Netherlands.

“The information is still developing,” Berendsen told the Dutch parliament. He said the injured passengers had been taken to several hospitals in the region and that the Dutch embassy would remain in contact with all those affected and their families.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten also expressed his condolences, writing on X: “A terrible accident in Switzerland. My thoughts are with everyone affected.” King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima said their sympathies were with the victims’ families, those worried about loved ones and the injured.

The Dutch travel organisation involved in the trip also said it was deeply affected by the crash. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected and their families,” it said.