A 73-year-old woman has died and 12 others were injured after a horse-drawn tourist carriage crashed into a tree in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. The incident occurred on Saturday in the Val Roseg area, according to police.
Carriage lost control on downhill slope
Police said about 40 people were travelling on two carriages through woods when the driver lost control. While going downhill, the driver realised the brakes were “insufficient” and attempted to steer the carriage towards flatter ground to slow down, a police statement said.
But after one of the three horses fell, the carriage careered out of control and crashed into a tree at the side of the road, the force added. Several passengers were thrown from the carriage, according to reports.
Victims airlifted to hospital
The 73-year-old woman suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Twelve others were injured and rushed to hospital by three helicopters and four ambulances. Two of the casualties taken for treatment suffered serious injuries, swissinfo.ch reports.
Investigation underway
It is said the tourists had been returning to Pontresina after an excursion in the Upper Engadine valley when the crash happened. Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the incident.
