Death toll unknown after Dutch tour bus crashes in Switzerland

A Dutch tour bus crashed in Switzerland on Thursday afternoon, leaving the death toll unknown. The vehicle, carrying 48 passengers and one driver, was involved in a serious accident between the villages of Susch and Zernez in eastern Switzerland. Swiss police confirmed that several people had died and more were injured, but the exact number has not been disclosed until next of kin are notified.

Emergency services worked through the night to recover the bodies. Dutch President Guy Parmelin expressed deep shock and dismay over the incident, offering condolences to the victims and their families. The tour was organized by Dutch travel company Oad, and the bus was owned by Hartemink, a coach firm from Eibergen in Gelderland.

The group was on a tour of Austria and had visited Switzerland as part of a day trip. Swiss authorities believe most, if not all, of the passengers were Dutch. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, with no other vehicles involved and the crash occurring at a stretch of roadworks where lanes had been narrowed. Swiss police have opened an emergency number for those with family members on board: +41 81 256 56 56.

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