In a deadly incident in Sierre, Switzerland, a coach transporting 52 Belgian schoolchildren and their teachers tragically crashed, leading to 28 fatalities, including 22 children. The group was returning to Belgium after a skiing excursion when the driver reportedly lost control while navigating an exit ramp on the A9 motorway. The coach collided with a concrete barrier before overturning inside a tunnel, which hampered rescue operations. Many of the deceased were mere teenagers, leading to widespread grief in both Belgium and Switzerland.

The coach was operated by a travel agency specializing in school trips, and the tragic event prompted discussions about road safety and regulations governing passenger transport. Victims’ families faced immense loss, with memorial services arranged in various communities in Belgium, reflecting the deep impact of the disaster. The scene was described as chaotic, with emergency services working tirelessly to try and save those who were trapped. Local authorities were called to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash, which raised questions about vehicle maintenance and driver training.

The aftermath saw an outpouring of support for the victims' families, both financially and emotionally. Vigils and memorials were held across Belgium, uniting people in mourning and remembrance of the lives lost. The incident also led to urgent discussions about improving safety regulations for school trips, ensuring that such tragedies do not occur in the future. Political leaders and educational authorities were prompted to review and enhance existing safety measures on all school excursions.