Alps coach crash kills at least one Briton
One man is dead after a coach carrying British ski resort staff crashed on its way down the mountain in the French Alps.
French police said the person who was killed in the accident was the driver, who was taking around 50 British ski resort staff home from the resort of Alpe d’Huez at the end of the ski season.
The coach veered off the road after apparently experiencing a problem with its brakes, before smashing into rocks on the side of the road and bursting into flames.
Several passengers escaped from the burning vehicle by jumping out of the windows. Local reports suggested that four other people were also seriously injured in the crash.
UK travel organisation Abta said the passengers in the vehicle, who were all believed to be British, were on their way home after working the ski season for Skibound Holidays at Alpe d’Huez and other resorts.
It said there were 51 passengers on board, as well as two drivers.
A local police spokesman said: “There was apparently a problem with the coach’s brakes. The driver seems to have lost control on a steep bend in the road and his vehicle crashed into rocks. It burst into flames but everyone is now out.”
A helicopter was scrambled to the scene where fire-fighters battled to put out the flames.
‘Tragic incident’
The holiday company Skibound said: “A special assistance team from Skibound is in place to provide support to those affected by the incident.
“An emergency telephone line has been set up for relatives and friends to call – 01273 244650. Our thoughts are with those who have been involved in the accident and their relatives. The names of any injured parties will not be released until all next of kin have been notified.”
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are aware of the tragic incident involving British nationals in the Isere region of southern France. We are in touch with the local authorities and are providing consular assistance.”