41 hurt after coach carrying Britons crashes in Switzerland

More than 40 people are reported to have been injured after a coach carrying British holidaymakers was involved in a crash in Switzerland.

Some 39 passengers were on board the vehicle, operated by Welsh firm Edwards, when the crash happened on the A2 motorway near Lucerne.

The incident, involving four lorries, took place as the coach was returning to South Wales after a 10-day trip to Lake Como in Italy.

Some 41 people were reportedly injured, including four seriously, but a director at Edwards insisted none of their passengers suffered life-threatening injuries.

Commercial director Jason Edwards, 44, said the majority of people travelling with the company were from Wales and most of them would return home tomorrow.

He said: "The majority of passengers were discharged through the night and have been staying at a five-star hotel in Lucerne.

"They were mainly treated for shock and trauma. There were a few broken limbs. I've not heard about any serious life-threatening injuries.

"It was a brand new Mercedes coach, with the latest safety improvements. Having been in the industry for such a length of time, I know if it had been an older vehicle, there could have been fatalities."

Mr Roberts said the coach was stationary on the A2 motorway when it was struck by a lorry yesterday.

Twenty ambulances and three helicopters took the injured to hospital following the crash, according to reports.

Edwards carries some 80,000 people a year on its holiday tour operations and offers school transport to 6,500 pupils in south Wales.

The firm, which currently runs 250 vehicles, has also provided coaches to the Wales football and rugby teams, Cardiff City football club and the British Lions.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "There has been a multiple vehicle accident in Switzerland. We are providing support to those affected and remain in close touch with the local authorities."