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Police say five people have died and 40 others were injured after a Dutch tour bus slammed into a roadside crash barrier and overturned in eastern Switzerland.

The bus, with 45 people on board, overturned Thursday afternoon between the villages of Susch and Zernez in the Alpine canton of Graubünden. Three people remained in serious condition at hospital, police said.

According to Swiss media, 48 people were travelling on the coach. A spokeswoman for the Dutch travel industry association ANVR told the Blick newspaper that the passengers were Dutch.

A police spokesman said the bus struck a crash barrier before flipping over. No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the incident.

The bus, carrying a Dutch tour party, flipped over in Susch, Switzerland (Reuters)

Oad, the travel agency organising the trip, said in a statement that it was “deeply shocked and devastated by the tragic bus accident” and its thoughts were with those affected and their loved ones.

“Our thoughts are with everyone involved and their loved ones. Local authorities are currently fully engaged in relief efforts and in determining the situation and the number of casualties,” the company said.

“We are doing everything in our power to obtain clarity quickly and to support those involved and their families wherever possible.”

The Dutch Foreign Ministry stated that it was too early to confirm victim numbers. A spokesperson said: “We are in contact with the Swiss authorities, the tour operator, and the emergency assistance centre to coordinate consular aid as effectively as possible.”

Writing on X, Swiss President Guy Parmelin sadness at the accident “I am deeply shocked and dismayed by today’s tragic accident involving a Dutch tour bus in Graubünden. At this painful time, my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. I offer my sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. “

“I am very grateful for the efforts of the first responders,” he added. “The relevant Swiss authorities will ensure that a comprehensive and thorough investigation is carried out to establish all the circumstances surrounding this accident.”

A major rescue operation was launched, with five helicopters and several ambulances sent to the scene, according to Swiss media.