Alps crash: Driver killed as coach full of British workers veers off road and bursts into flames
Police said the victim was driving the vehicle when it veered off the road and smashed into rocks after an apparent brakes failure
Fatal crash: Firefighters stand by the wreckage of the bus
One Briton was killed today when a coach carrying over 50 ski resort workers crashed in the Alps today.French police said the victim was driving the vehicle when it veered off the road, smashed into rocks and burst into flames.The brakes on the coach had failed as it travelled down a steep mountain road featuring 21 hairpin bends at around 2pm.The coach was bringing 51 Skibound Holidays workers home from the resort of Alpe d'Huez at the end of the ski season.At least four people were said to have been seriously injured, with those hurt being treated in local hospitals.Several passengers escaped from the burning wreckage by jumping from the windows.A helicopter was scrambled to the scene where firefighters battled to put out the flames.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. Some passengers escaped by jumping out the windows."The coach had two drivers on board and 51 passengers who been working for Brighton-based Skibound Holidays at Alpe d'Huez and other resorts.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." 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."The British Ambassador to France, Peter Ricketts, offered his condolences and said he was heading to the scene.He tweeted: "Our thoughts are with those involved in the coach crash in Isere. On my way with consular support."
Police said the victim was driving the vehicle when it veered off the road and smashed into rocks after an apparent brakes failure
Fatal crash: Firefighters stand by the wreckage of the bus One Briton was killed today when a coach carrying over 50 ski resort workers crashed in the Alps today.French police said the victim was driving the vehicle when it veered off the road, smashed into rocks and burst into flames.The brakes on the coach had failed as it travelled down a steep mountain road featuring 21 hairpin bends at around 2pm.The coach was bringing 51 Skibound Holidays workers home from the resort of Alpe d'Huez at the end of the ski season.At least four people were said to have been seriously injured, with those hurt being treated in local hospitals.Several passengers escaped from the burning wreckage by jumping from the windows.A helicopter was scrambled to the scene where firefighters battled to put out the flames.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. Some passengers escaped by jumping out the windows."The coach had two drivers on board and 51 passengers who been working for Brighton-based Skibound Holidays at Alpe d'Huez and other resorts.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." 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."The British Ambassador to France, Peter Ricketts, offered his condolences and said he was heading to the scene.He tweeted: "Our thoughts are with those involved in the coach crash in Isere. On my way with consular support."