Geneva, 11 September 2026 (dpa/MIA) - The number of victims from a deadly bus crash in eastern Switzerland remained unclear hours after the accident, with police saying only that several people had been killed and injured.

The exact number of casualties is expected to be announced on Friday morning, after relatives have been informed, a police spokesman told dpa.

Police said the recovery of bodies continued until late in the evening.

Just under 50 people were believed to have been on board the Dutch coach. A spokeswoman for the Dutch travel industry association ANVR told the Blick newspaper that the tour group consisted of 48 people.

The accident occurred late on Thursday afternoon in the Engadin valley in the canton of Graubünden.

The bus struck a crash barrier between the towns of Susch and Zernez, left the road and overturned onto its side, a police spokesman told broadcaster SRF.

It eventually came to rest on a low embankment beside the road. Investigators believe no other vehicle was involved in the crash, according to media reports.

Police, emergency services and firefighters responded with numerous vehicles and several helicopters.

The bus was operating on behalf of Dutch travel company Oad.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic bus accident in Switzerland," Oad said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with all those affected and their loved ones."

The company said it was not yet able to provide further information.

"As soon as there is more clarity, we will of course inform and support the relatives of the affected travellers as quickly as possible," Oad said.

Police in Graubünden set up a hotline for relatives and foreign consulates.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin said he was "deeply shocked and dismayed" by the accident.

"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," he wrote on X.

Parmelin said the authorities would carry out a comprehensive and thorough investigation into the accident.

The group had set off for Austria on Monday, Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad reported. A day trip to Switzerland had been planned for the day of the accident.

The bus bore the logo of coach company Hartemink, based in Eibergen in the Dutch province of Gelderland near the German border.

Photo: epa