One Dead and Twelve Injured in Horse Carriage Accident in Switzerland

A 73 year old woman died and twelve other people were injured on Saturday during a horse carriage accident in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. The incident occurred as a travel group of approximately 40 people was returning from an excursion in Val Roseg toward Pontresina. According to police, the group was traveling in two carriage compositions. On a descending section of the path, a driver noticed that the brakes were insufficient and attempted to steer the carriage, which consisted of one carriage and two trailers, toward a flatter area to reduce speed. During this maneuver, one of the horses fell, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The carriage subsequently collided with a tree, throwing several passengers from the vehicle. Two of the twelve injured passengers were reported to be in serious condition. Emergency responders used three helicopters and four ambulances to transport the injured to various hospitals. All members of the travel group reside in Switzerland. The public prosecutor and police are currently investigating the circumstances of the accident. A spokesperson for the Graubünden cantonal police described the event as the most serious carriage accident in the canton in recent years. One horse sustained light injuries. While center right and center left reports focused on the immediate facts of the crash, one center right report provided broader context regarding horse accident statistics in Switzerland and included criticisms from animal rights organizations like Peta regarding the stress and risks associated with tourist carriage rides.